Erythema Multiforme Secondary to Mumps

Erythema multiforme (EMF), an immune-mediated disorder, presents with either cutaneous or mucosal lesions, or both. Although associated with multiple etiologies, the majority are attributed to infectious etiologies and drugs. In this case report, we describe a case of EMF secondary to a very uncommon etiology-mumps. A 22-year-old male presented with targetoid lesions on bilateral palms, the upper and lower extremities, and the trunk. He also had a few targetoid lesions on the lips and glans penis. The patient reported an episode of fever with parotid enlargement and tenderness 1 week before the onset of skin lesions. A serological investigation revealed significantly elevated IgM antibody titers to mumps. Erythema multiforme has many triggering factors, with infections such as herpes simplex virus being the most common, followed by drugs like penicillin, cephalosporins, and others. This case report shows that, in addition to the most common causes, other viral infectious etiologies should also be considered as possible triggers.