Ace the AAFM Dermatology Boards 2026 – Skin the Competition and Shine Bright!

Erythema multiforme is characterized by targetoid lesions on the skin, often resembling a "target" with concentric rings of color. These lesions typically appear abruptly and can vary in size, developing as a result of a hypersensitivity reaction, most commonly to infections or medications. The classic appearance of these target lesions is distinctive and serves as a key diagnostic feature of erythema multiforme.

Other characteristics of this condition might include skin lesions that are symmetrically distributed and often affect the extremities, particularly the hands and feet. While painful vesicles can be associated with other skin conditions, the hallmark of erythema multiforme is directly linked to the targetoid pattern rather than the presence of plaques or flaky skin patches, which correspond to different dermatological conditions. Understanding this aspect helps in recognizing erythema multiforme and differentiating it from other dermatological diseases.