الفهرس 
Historical Background, Definition and Classification.Only 14 pages are availabe for public view
 |  | from | 304 |  |  |
| | | from | 304 | | |
Abstract
Erythema multiforme (EM) is a relatively common skin
disorder, accounting for up to 1% of the out-patient dermatology
clinics. It has been clinically recognized for more than I 00 years
smce its initial description by Hebra in 1866 (Finan and
Schroeter,1984). Erythema multiforme, as the name emplies, may
be extremely variable with regard to the spectrum of cutaneow;
lesions present, the associated systemic signs and symptoms, the
aetiology, the specific cause, and the tendency for episodes to recur.
Since Hebra’s early coining of the term EM, the concept of the
disease has been confused, so that there is little agreement among
clinicians as to the exact boundaries of the disease (Jorizzo, 1995). So, any rational discussion of EM is hampered by the fact that
not all physicians agree on what it is. Even a cursory review of the
medical literature will convince one that great differences exist in
the type of illnesses that have been discussed and investigated under
the name of EM. It has never been entirely clear whether EM is a
single disease with different de.£,rrees of evolution of skin lesions, as
proposed by Hebra, or whether it is a syndrome that includes a
variety of different types of acute eruptions. The latter concept of
EM, as a syndrome with variety of clinical characteristics and
causes, has been the modern concept of EM. Acute eruptions with systemic symptoms and mucosal erosions, as described by Stevens
and Johnson (1922) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (Lyell, 1956) are
commonly discussed as part of the spectrum of EM.