Erythema Multiforme: Clinical Manifestations


As the local lesion matures, a variety of different rashes are observed beginning 1-2 weeks after vaccination:

	Severity	Description

	Mild	The mildest form consists of a few papules or erythematous blotches. Some patients manifest urticaria, vesicles, or even pustules.

	Extensive	A few patients have extensive rash covering most of their bodies.

	Severe	Rarely, one sees the desquamating Stevens-Johnson Syndrome with full body involvement and conjunctival and corneal inflammation.

The rash is erythematous and pruritic in most instances and is most intense surrounding the vaccination site. The degree of erythema is intense and the rash may be raised or flat, with an urticarial border. The rash tends to be symmetrical and often involves the palms and soles. Intense itching may accompany the rash and scratching can lead to bacterial superinfection.