RECURRENT ERYTHEMA MULTIFORME ASSOCIATED WITH HERPES SIMPLEX WITH MUCOCUTANEOUS INVOLVEMENT: CLINICAL DIAGNOSIS, ANTIVIRAL THERAPY AND RECONSTRUCTIVE-AESTHETIC APPROACH
Keywords:
Erythema multiforme; Herpes simplex; Recurrence; Antiviral agents; Acyclovir; Plastic surgery; Scar; Oral mucosaAbstract
DOI: https://doi.org/10.46296/yc.v10i18.0908
Abstract
Background: Recurrent herpes simplex virus-associated erythema multiforme is an immune-mediated mucocutaneous disorder characterized by painful relapses, oral and perioral involvement, and functional and esthetic burden. Clinical diagnosis and careful distinction from Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, fixed drug eruption, and infectious mucositis are essential. Objective: To synthesize evidence on clinical diagnosis, HSV-related pathogenesis, suppressive antiviral therapy, and the complementary role of plastic surgery in mucocutaneous care and prevention of reconstructive-esthetic sequelae. Methods: A PRISMA 2020-oriented structured review was prepared, including reviews, clinical series, trials, and key articles on recurrent erythema multiforme, HSV, antivirals, wound care, and scar management. Results: HSV is a major trigger of recurrent disease. Continuous acyclovir prophylaxis has the strongest clinical trial evidence for reducing relapses. Acute management relies on symptomatic care, analgesia, topical therapy, hydration, etiologic control, and ophthalmologic evaluation when ocular involvement is suspected. Plastic surgery does not replace dermatology or infectious disease care but may support lip, oral, perioral, and exposed-skin lesions through advanced wound care, barrier protection, prevention of secondary infection, scar counseling, and assessment of functional or esthetic sequelae. Conclusions: A multidisciplinary approach is recommended. Continuous antiviral prophylaxis should be individualized in HSV-associated recurrent cases, while plastic surgery may help preserve function, esthetics, and quality of life. 1-8,10-12,23-25.
Keywords: Erythema multiforme; Herpes simplex; Recurrence; Antiviral agents; Acyclovir; Plastic surgery; Scar; Oral mucosa.
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