Prevalence of oral manifestations of erythema multiform in patients referred to Al-Zahra Hospital (Iran - Isfahan) during 1998-2008

Erythema multiform (EM) is a mucocutaneous reaction to several factors, including infections, medications, foodstuffs, physical agents, malignancies and pregnancy. The oral cavity is commonly and painfully involved in this condition, with impairment of its function. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the prevalence of EM oral manifestations. This retrospective descriptive study evaluated 217 records of EM patients (F=113, M=104) from 1998 to 2008. Data regarding various forms of EM were extracted and recorded in special forms and analyzed with frequency tests using SPSS software (α = 0.05). Of 217 patients, 126 patients (58%) had oral lesions. Erosive, ulcerative and erythematous types were, in descending order, the most common lesions. Lip, tongue and the buccal mucosa were, in descending order, most commonly involved. No significant differences were observed between males and females. Considering the limitations of the present study, it was concluded that EM is quite prevalent and it should be included in the differential diagnosis by dental practitioners.