Érythème polymorphe postinfectieux de l’enfant

Abstract

Postinfectious erythema multiforme is an uncommon skin disease in childhood that can have a strong impact, especially in infants if there is involvement of the mucous membranes. The lesion is targeted (central bullous lesions with three concentric circles). Its diagnosis is typically made clinically. Atypical forms are the highly inflammatory, mainly bullous type, with exclusive involvement of the mucous membrane, or recurrent erythema multiforme. The diagnosis of erythema multiforme is frequently suspected in children with urticaria multiforme. Kawasaki disease and toxic epidermal necrolysis may have a target-like skin aspect with mucosal involvement, and should be considered when planning treatment. The two major infectious etiologies in children are Mycoplasmapneumoniae and Herpes simplex. More recently, postvaccination erythema multiforme has been reported with the majority of vaccines used in pediatric practice. The prognosis is usually good but requires observation of the mucosal involvement because of the risk of serious complications. The treatment of erythema multiforme is essentially symptomatic, with etiology-related treatment.