(For more information on this disorder, choose “Urticaria” as your search term in the Rare Disease Database.)Įrythema Nodosum is an inflammatory disease of the skin and subcutaneous tissue characterized by tender red nodules, predominantly appearing on the shins but occasionally involving the arms or other areas. This type of skin disorder does not include blisters. Urticaria (hives) is easily recognized by the typical well-defined edematous ridges (wheals). Comparisons may be useful for a differential diagnosis: Symptoms of the following disorders can be similar to those of Erythema Multiforme. Classic EM tends to recur two or three times a year for several years after its first appearance. Additional symptoms may include vision abnormalities dry or bloodshot eyes and eye pain, itching, or burning.Īttacks usually last two to four weeks, and may recur. Systemic symptoms vary, but malaise, pain in the joints (arthralgia), muscular stiffness and fever are frequent. The skin lesions are usually distributed on both sides of the body. In about half of the cases, lesions may develop on the lips and the mucous membranes in the mouth. Some spots, especially on the hands and forearms, may evolve into concentric circles that resemble a target, with a grayish discoloration in the center. The lesions continue to erupt for two or three days. Other areas of involvement may include the face, neck, palms, soles of feet, legs, and trunk. Red spots (macules or papules), or ridges (wheals), and sometimes blisters appear on the tops of the hands and forearms. Onset of erythema multiforme is usually sudden in an otherwise healthy individual. 5 Myths About Orphan Drugs and the Orphan Drug Act.Information on Clinical Trials and Research Studies.