Target lesion

In dermatology, a target lesion or bull's-eye lesion, named for its resemblance to the bull's-eye of a shooting target, is the typical lesion of erythema multiforme (EM) in which a vesicle is surrounded by an often hemorrhagic maculopapule; EM is often self-limited, of acute onset, resolves in three to six weeks, and has a cyclical pattern; EM lesions are multiform (polymorphous) and include macules, papules, vesicles, and bullae. Target lesions are also typical of erythema chronicum migrans.

Etiology

Such lesions may be idiopathic or may follow infections, drug therapy, or immunodeficiency.

Morphology

Target lesion consists of three zones :

1. Dark centre of small papule, vesicle, or bulla (iris)
2. Pale intermediate zone
3. Peripheral rim of erythema

References

the free dictionary : medical dictionary