Other reported causes of EM minor aside from HSV include mycoplasma pneumonia, chlamydia pneumonia, anti-epileptics, and antibiotics (particularly penicillins and sulfonamides).^4,5

Summary: HSV infection has a potential association with EM minor in children, but it appears to be more commonly associated with adult EM cases

Dr. Jones is assistant professor of pediatric emergency medicine at the University of Kentucky in Lexington.

Dr. Cantor is professor of emergency medicine and pediatrics, director of the pediatric emergency department, and medical director of the Central New York Regional Poison Control Center at Upstate Medical University in Syracuse, New York.

References

1. Weston WL, Brice SL, Jester JD, et al. Herpes simplex virus in childhood erythema multiforme. Pediatrics. 1992;89(1):32-34.
2. Siedner-Weintraub Y, Gross I, David A, et al. Paediatric erythema multiforme: Epidemiological, clinical and laboratory characteristics. Acta Derm Venereol. 2017;97(4):489-492.
3. Read J, Keijzers GB. Pediatric erythema multiforme in the emergency department: more than “just a rash.” Pediatr Emerg Care. 2017;33(5):320-324.
4. Chan M, Goldman RD. Erythema multiforme in children: the steroid debate. Can Fam Physician. 2013;59(6):635-636.
5. Imashuku S, Kudo N. Chlamydia pneumoniae infection-associated erythema mutliforme. Pediatr Rep. 2013;5(2):35-37.