Erythema exsudativum multiforme induced by a taurine-containing energy drink

Erythema exsudativum multiforme is an immunologically mediated skin condition caused by viruses, bacteria, food, and drugs. There are different forms, and depending on the severity of the disease there is a major and minor form. Whereas the minor form passes without consequences, the major form and Stevens-Johnson syndrome affect the mucosa and may result in death. The disease affects all age groups but is more often observed in young individuals. Typical signs of the disease are skin lesions termed herpes iris. Taurine is an organic compound used in energy drinks and food that can cause many forms of hypersensitivity reactions, and one of these is erythema exsudativum multiforme. As consumption of energy drinks containing taurine increases, the problem of an increase in cases presenting with various forms of hypersensitivity reactions should be considered. Here we present the case of a 19-year-old man with erythema exsudativum multiforme caused by a drink containing taurine. We excluded all other factors that may have caused erythema multiforme and the patient was hospitalized, having been referred to us for the second time presenting with the same problem caused twice by the same drink.