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Question
Patient presents after being started on an antibiotic for cellutlitis of lower extremity. What's the diagnosis and what are some other etiologic agents (name 3)
Answer
Erythema Multiforme (minor)
- Acute, self-limited rash affecting the skin; mucus membranes are spared in the minor variant although EM major involves one mucus membrane.
- Erythematous, macupapular, and blanching with central clearing; it is often puritic
- Several etiologic factors that have been identified. Most commonly:
- Infections: viral (e.g., HSV), bacterial (e.g., strep), fungal (e.g., histoplasmosis)
- Drugs: antibiotics (e.g., sulfa drugs, PCN, etc.), NSAIDs
- Miscellaneous: collagen vascular diseases, pregnancy, and malignancy
- It is self-limiting and will resolve in 2-6 weeks.
- Treat by stopping offending agent and supportive care (e.g., diphenhydramine for purtitis)
References
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