Epidemiology

The incidence of EM is unknown, but estimates are in the range of 0.01% to 1%.[2] Peak incidence occurs in the second and third decades, and it rarely occurs in patients ages <3 years or >50 years. The male-to-female ratio is 3:2, and EM is recurrent in at least 30% of patients.[2][4][5]

About 90% of cases are related to infection, particularly with herpes simplex virus. Less than 10% of cases are drug-induced.[2]

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