Intermittent oral cyclosporin for recurrent herpes simplex-associated erythema multiforme

Recurrent erythema multiforme is one of three distinct clinical subtypes of erythema multiforme. We present a 42-year-old man with a 10-year history of recurrent herpes simplex virus-induced erythema multiforme. Our patient was debilitated by the frequency of his attacks and the associated pain, for which he often required leave from work. The frequency, duration and morbidity of the attacks were poorly controlled using oral prednisone and oral aciclovir. Three episodes of his recurrent herpes simplex virus-induced erythema multiforme were treated with intermittent oral cyclosporin. Oral cyclosporin rapidly reduced his symptoms and led to rapid resolution of his erythema multiforme, provided the cyclosporin was commenced on day 1 or 2 of the erythema multiforme episode. Consequently, his quality of life has dramatically improved. We recommend the use of intermittent oral cyclosporin for recurrent, debilitating episodes of erythema multiforme.