ERYTHEMA MULTIFORME – ORAL MANIFESTATIONS. A REVIEW.

Irena Georgieva, Zlatina Tsoneva, Teodora Filipova, Miglena Balcheva

DOI : 10.62610/RJOR.2026.3.18.3

ABSTRACT:

Aim of the study Erythema multiforme (EM) is an acute and sometimes recurrent disease with polymorphous eruption on the skin and mucous membranes that can be life-threatening. The etiology often remains unclear but it is believed that is a result of an immunologic hypersensitivity reaction mediated by T-lymphocytes. Predisposing and triggering risk factors can be some bacteria, fungi, viruses, emotional stress, various medications, certain foods, and dyes. The term “multiforme” is originated from the wide variation of different cutaneous manifestations (macules, papules, vesicles, bullae). Oral lesions may appear independently or accompany the skin manifestations. Diagnosis is primarily based on the clinical findings and biopsy. The purpose of this article is to highlight and summarize the potential etiologic agents, pathogenesis, typical clinical oral manifestations, and the most common therapeutic strategies in dental practice.

Material and Methods: This literature review is based on a comprehensive analysis of various scientific studies accessed through databases such as PubMed, Web of Science и Google Scholar.

Results: EM should be carefully differentiated from other acute oral ulcerative conditions. Histopathology helps exclude other autoimmune diseases like pemphigoid or pemphigus. Diagnosis relies on medical history, clinical features, and biopsy findings.

Conclusion: Аccurate diagnosis on time and appropriate treatment of EM are crucial for disease control. Dentists may play a key role in early diagnosis, as oral symptoms may be the first or only manifestations.