COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Are there triggers?

• Each person may recognize triggers that may not be a trigger for every patient. That is, menstruation or diet might trigger an EM flare in one person but not in another.

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Will it last forever/is there a cure?

• Some people have successful treatment after the first episode and remain in permanent remission. Others may experience flares once or twice a year. For those who flare more frequently, consider daily maintenance medication. Those who flare through their previously successful treatment might consider trying a higher dose or a different medication. Most cases of EM, even the severe ones, are successfully suppressed by one or another therapy.

How does one identify EM?

• EM has two manifestations, one on the skin and one on the mouth. On the skin, one sees bulls eye type lesions of 2-3 concentric circles, sometimes with a central blister. In the mouth, one sees erosions, often circular, and sometimes surrounded by a ring of redness. EM is best recognized by comparing one's own skin lesions with those of validated pictures of EM. See above tab Gallery for photos of EM. 

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How long does a flare last?

• It is variable and depends on whether the patient is treated or not. With high dose prednisone, it should start healing within 1-2 days with full recovery generally by 2 weeks. Again, a prednisone taper is often necessary as is one or another maintenance medication.