Erythema multiforme is usually an episodic eruption triggered by a variety of agents, with herpes simplex and mycoplasma infections being the most common cause. Rarely, it occurs in a chronic form with near continuous occurrence of new lesions; this form of the disease can result in considerable disability. Chronic erythema multiforme is usually treated with immunosuppressive agents and these, even though successful in controlling this disease, can also have marked adverse effects. We report a case of chronic erythema multiforme successfully cleared and maintained in a controlled state with a course of oral psoralen plus UV-A (PUVA) therapy.
Report of a Case.
A 49-year-old black woman presented with painful lesions on the soles of both feet. The lesions had been present continuously for 2 years. Her mobility was greatly restricted because she usually required crutches to assist with walking and her condition had caused numerous absences from her work as