Erythema multiforme major explained

In dermatology, erythema multiforme major is a form of rash with skin loss or epidermal detachment.

The term "erythema multiforme majus" is sometimes used to imply a bullous (blistering) presentation.^[2]

According to some sources, there are two conditions included on a spectrum of this same disease process:

Stevens–Johnson syndrome (SJS)
Toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) which described by Alan Lyell and previously called Lyell syndrome[5].

In this view, EM major, SJS and TEN are considered a single condition, distinguished by degree of epidermal detachment.^[3] ^[4]

However, a consensus classification separates erythema multiforme minor, erythema multiforme major, and SJS/TEN as three separate entities.

References

5. Orphanet Journal of Rare Diseases 2010, 5:39 doi:10.1186/1750-1172-5-39

Book: Rapini, Ronald P. . Bolognia, Jean L. . Jorizzo, Joseph L. . Dermatology: 2-Volume Set . Mosby . St. Louis . 2007 . 978-1-4160-2999-1 .
Book: Daniel J. Trozak. Dan J. Tennenhouse. Dermatology skills for primary care: an illustrated guide. 5 June 2010. 1 October 2005. Humana Press. 978-1-58829-489-0. 161–. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20130621103913/http://books.google.com/books?id=hn_5f4KMKW0C&pg=PA161. 21 June 2013.
Web site: Erythema Multiforme: eMedicine Emergency Medicine. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20100806085620/http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/762333-overview. 2010-08-06. 2019-02-02.
Bastuji-Garin S, Rzany B, Stern RS, Shear NH, Naldi L, Roujeau JC . Clinical classification of cases of toxic epidermal necrolysis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, and erythema multiforme . Arch Dermatol . 129 . 1 . 92–6 . January 1993 . 8420497 . 10.1001/archderm.129.1.92 .