RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Erythema multiforme in children
JF Canadian Family Physician
JO Can Fam Physician
FD The College of Family Physicians of Canada
SP 635
OP 636
VO 59
IS 6
A1 Chan, Melissa
A1 Goldman, Ran D.
YR 2013
UL http://www.cfp.ca/content/59/6/635.abstract
AB Question In my office I occasionally see children who have rashes with “target lesions” and who are diagnosed with erythema multiforme (EM). When should these children receive steroids, and when should the illness be allowed to follow its natural course without steroid treatment? Answer Erythema multiforme is relatively common in children. Current recommendations suggest not to treat EM minor with systemic steroids and that topical steroids might be of benefit. The use of systemic steroids for EM major remains controversial, as there is evidence both for and against treatment, and no randomized controlled trials have been done. Further studies need to address the benefit of steroids, and in the interim, physicians should decide on a treatment based on the severity of EM and in consultation with a dermatologist, if available.