Relevance and consequences of erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis in gynecology.

Background: Erythema multiforme (EM), Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) can be distinguished by location, morphology and extent of cutaneous and mucosal lesions. EM has minimal effects on pregnancy and the genital tract. SJS and TEN on the other hand are related with premature labor and vaginal scarring that can lead to long-term painful lesions, stenosis, vaginal adenosis and telangiectasia.

Case: A 33-year-old G3P2 with a medical history of SJS has multiple recurrences during pregnancy of what seems to be EM instead of SJS with a favorable outcome.

Conclusion: Differentiation between EM, SJS and TEN is important in gynecology to predict the effects of the diseases on the genital tract and on pregnancy.