Erythema multiforme major with ocular involvement following COVID-19 infection

Abstract

We report a case of membranous conjunctivitis and erythema multiforme major (EMM) after a coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) diagnosis. A previously well 18-year-old man presented with increasingly erythematous eyes and oral and genital ulceration 2 weeks after confirmation of COVID-19 infection. Clinical examination showed sloughy membranous conjunctivitis with normal visual acuity. He was reviewed by dermatology and diagnosed with EMM secondary to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection. The symptoms resolved with oral and topical steroids, lubricants and chloramphenicol eye drops. Erythema multiforme has been reported in association with COVID-19, although the major form is rare. Ophthalmologists should consider current or previous COVID-19 infection in patients presenting with conjunctivitis or pseudomembrane formation. Prompt initiation of steroids aids resolution.