Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

erythema multiforme

My son developed EM while on an antibiotic as an infant.  It never progressed to Stevens-Johnson syndrome but was pretty severe.  Over the years he used alternative antibiotics for ear infections etc.  He was tested by an allergist and was found not to be allergic to the medication he was on during that time period.  So what caused the EM?  Is it likely to happen again.  It was very scarey.  His eyes swelled shut and he had these "bullseyes"  popping up all over his body.
2 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
Avatar universal
He has been on the antibiotic after skin testing and an oral challenge probably 3-4 times now since the oral challenge....  should we still withold that antibiotic or consider it safe since there have been no problems  on it at this point?
Helpful - 0
242588 tn?1224271700
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
If there was a temporal relationship between the antibiotic administration during infancy and the development of Erythema Multiforme (EM), it is highly likely that the EM was caused by the antibiotic.  In that case, your son should never be given that antibiotic or any medicine in its class, again.  If it happens to be a one-of-a-kind antibiotic for which there is no good substitute, one he could conceivably need in the future, you would do well to consult with an infectious disease specialist now, rather than waiting until such time, as the need for it is great.  The allergist's observation and conclusion may be correct but you should not put your son at risk of having another severe reaction, on the basis of one negative allergy test.
Helpful - 0

You are reading content posted in the Asthma and Allergy Forum

Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
Find out what causes asthma, and how to take control of your symptoms.
Find out if your city is a top "allergy capital."
Find out which foods you should watch out for.
If you’re one of the 35 million Americans who suffer from hay fever, read on for what plants are to blame, where to find them and how to get relief.
Allergist Dr. Lily Pien answers Medhelp users' most pressing allergy-related questions
When you start sniffling and sneezing, you know spring has sprung. Check out these four natural remedies to nix spring allergies.