Erythema Multiforme and Molluscum Cotangiosum

Question 1

What is the epid for Erythema Multiforme (EM)?

Answer 1

Often affects young adults

Question 2

What is the defition of EM?

Answer 2

inflammation of skin and mucous membranes – type IV hypersensitivity

Question 3

What can cause EM?

Answer 3

• Infections
  1. Herpes (HSV)
  2. Mycoplasma
  3. HIV
• Drug reactions
  1. Sulphonamides (Abx)

Question 4

What is the lesion like in EM?

Answer 4

1. Target lesions
   
   2. Central vesicle/crust
   3. Ring of pallor
   4. Ring of erythema

Question 5

What is the distribution of the EM lesion like?

Answer 5

Often start on hands and then spreads

Question 6

What are symptoms of EM?

Answer 6

1. Prodrome
   (fever, aches)
   
   2. Tender/itchy/pain

Question 7

What is the treatment for EM minor?

Answer 7

topical emollient and topical/oral corticosteroids

Question 8

What is the treatment of EM major?

Answer 8

Topical emollient and oral/IV corticosteroids

Question 9

What is the epid of molluscum contangiosum?

Answer 9

Often affects young children and common

Question 10

What is the defintion of MC?

Answer 10

skin infection due to pox virus (molluscum contagiosum virus)

Question 11

What is the lesion like in MC?

Answer 11

1. Smooth papule
2. Umbilicated
3. Usually painless
4. Often itchy

Question 12

What are RF for MC?

Answer 12

Immunocompromised (e.g. HIV)

Question 13

What is the transmission of MC?

Answer 13

close contact (e.g. swimming pools, sexual contact)

Question 14

What is the management of MC?

Answer 14

1. Observation
2. Topical potassium hydroxide
3. Cryotherapy (2nd line)

Question 15

What Ix are done for EM and MC?

Answer 15

•	Physical examination
•	Basic observations 
•	Investigations to consider
•	HIV
•	(Underlying cause)
Usually clinical Diagnosis