Which statement is NOT typical of the erythema multiforme reaction?

Which statement is NOT typical of the erythema multiforme reaction?

• A. Target 'bulls eye' lesion with a necrotic center surrounded by a pale macular middle area and then by an erythematous peripheral ring
• B. Itching at site of affected areas
• C. Pain at site of affected areas, especially in the oral cavity
• D. Lesions which all have the same morphology on the trunk

Answer: (D)

Erythema multiforme presents with target-like lesions that have three concentric zones, often accompanied by itching and, when mucous membranes are involved, painful oral lesions. A key feature is variability: lesions can appear in different shapes and at different stages, and they’re not all uniform in appearance across the trunk or elsewhere. Therefore, saying that all trunk lesions have the same morphology is not typical. The classic target lesions described in EM and the presence of mucosal pain fit what you’d expect, while uniform, identical lesions across the trunk would go against the usual varied presentation.

Erythema multiforme presents with target-like lesions that have three concentric zones, often accompanied by itching and, when mucous membranes are involved, painful oral lesions. A key feature is variability: lesions can appear in different shapes and at different stages, and they’re not all uniform in appearance across the trunk or elsewhere. Therefore, saying that all trunk lesions have the same morphology is not typical. The classic target lesions described in EM and the presence of mucosal pain fit what you’d expect, while uniform, identical lesions across the trunk would go against the usual varied presentation.