Herpes Simplex Virus -Associated Recurrent Erythema Multiforme: The Implication of MHC Class Molecules on Susceptibility

Erythema multiforme is an acute mucocutaneous hypersensitivity reaction caused by a variety of etiologies. Here we report a case of herpes simplex virus-associated recurrent erythema multiforme. This 21-year-old male presented with recurrent oral ulcers for more than 10 years. During the last two years, multiple erythematous to violaceous papules and plaques with a central vesicle over all four limbs had developed 10 to 14 days after the occurrence of oral ulcers. The patient’s blood test was HSV 1 IgG positive and HLA typing revealed that he was DQB1 0402, DQB 1527 positive. The patient was successfully treated with valaciclovir 500mg daily, and by periodic prednisolone 20 mg per day for seven days during attacks of erythema multiforme. (Dermatol Sinica 26: 165-170, 2008)