Which condition is described by erythematous plaques with central clearing and fever?

Which condition is described by erythematous plaques with central clearing and fever?

• A. Urticaria
• B. Erythema multiforme
• C. Psoriasis
• D. Tinea corporis

Answer: (B)

Erythema multiforme is suggested by target-like lesions: erythematous plaques with a central dusky area and concentric rings. These “target” lesions are characteristic, and fever often accompanies this reaction, reflecting a systemic inflammatory response frequently triggered by infections (like HSV) or certain drugs. Other conditions fit lesions differently: tinea corporis can cause ring-shaped plaques with central clearing but typically lacks fever and the classic target appearance; urticaria shows transient, pruritic wheals rather than fixed target plaques; psoriasis presents as chronic, well-demarcated plaques with silvery scales and usually not fever or central clearing.

Erythema multiforme is suggested by target-like lesions: erythematous plaques with a central dusky area and concentric rings. These “target” lesions are characteristic, and fever often accompanies this reaction, reflecting a systemic inflammatory response frequently triggered by infections (like HSV) or certain drugs.

Other conditions fit lesions differently: tinea corporis can cause ring-shaped plaques with central clearing but typically lacks fever and the classic target appearance; urticaria shows transient, pruritic wheals rather than fixed target plaques; psoriasis presents as chronic, well-demarcated plaques with silvery scales and usually not fever or central clearing.