Atypical erythema multiforme

Abstract

4-year-old child presented oral and genital eruptions for 2 days, he had history of herpetic stomatitis 3 days before. Examination revealed oral painful erosive lesions with genital erythematous purpuric patch mimiking atypical target-like lesions . No others cutaneous lesions were observed. Skin biopsy showed apoptotic individual keratinocytes, degeneration of basal keratinocytes and intercellular oedema, it concluded to diagnosis of erythema multiforme. The patient was treated by Aciclovir 5mg/kg/day for 1 week with oral antihistamines, analgesics and local skin care. A complete resolution was noted after 2 weeks.

Keywords

• genital erythematous
• target-like lesions
• apoptotic individual keratinocytes