Erythema Nodosum Overview
Learn About Erythema Nodosum
Erythema nodosum is an inflammatory disorder. It involves tender, red bumps (nodules) under the skin.
In about half of cases, the exact cause of erythema nodosum is unknown. The remaining cases are associated with an infection or other systemic disorder.
Some of the more common infections associated with the disorder are:
- Streptococcus (most common)
- Cat scratch disease
- Chlamydia
- Coccidioidomycosis
- Hepatitis B
- Histoplasmosis
- Leptospirosis
- Mononucleosis (EBV)
- Mycobacteria
- Mycoplasma
- Psittacosis
- Syphilis
- Tuberculosis
- Tularemia
- Yersinia
Erythema nodosum may occur with sensitivity to certain medicines, including:
- Antibiotics, including amoxicillin and other penicillins
- Sulfonamides
- Sulfones
- Birth control pills
- Progestin
Sometimes, erythema nodosum may occur during pregnancy.
Other disorders linked to this condition include leukemia, lymphoma, sarcoidosis, rheumatic fever, Behcet disease, and ulcerative colitis.
The condition is more common in women than it is in men.
Erythema nodosum is most common on the front of the shins. It may also occur on other areas of the body such as buttocks, calves, ankles, thighs, and arms.
The lesions begin as flat, firm, hot, red, painful lumps that are about 1 inch (2.5 centimeters) across. Within a few days, they may become purplish in color. Over several weeks, the lumps fade to a brownish, flat patch.
Other symptoms may include:
- Fever
- General ill feeling (malaise)
- Joint aches
- Skin redness, inflammation, or irritation
- Swelling of the leg or other affected area
The underlying infection, drug, or disease should be identified and treated.
Treatment may include:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
- Stronger anti-inflammatory medicines called corticosteroids, taken by mouth or given as a shot.
- Potassium iodide (SSKI) solution, most often given as drops added to orange juice.
- Other oral medicines that work on the body's immune system.
- Pain medicines (analgesics).
- Rest.
- Raising the sore area (elevation).
- Hot or cold compresses to help reduce discomfort.
Raja Talluri MD A Professional Medical Corporation
Gayathri Talluri is an Internal Medicine provider in Thibodaux, Louisiana. Dr. Talluri and is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Erythema Nodosum. Her top areas of expertise are Hypertension, Familial Hypertension, Glucocorticoid-Remediable Aldosteronism, Gastrostomy, and Hip Replacement. Dr. Talluri is currently accepting new patients.
Physician Practice Partners
Fadi Abou-Issa is an Internal Medicine provider in Houma, Louisiana. Dr. Abou-Issa and is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Erythema Nodosum. His top areas of expertise are Familial Hypertension, Glucocorticoid-Remediable Aldosteronism, Hypertension, Advanced Bronchoscopy, and Endoscopy. Dr. Abou-Issa is currently accepting new patients.
South Louisiana Medical Associates
Howard Ragland is a Dermatologist in Houma, Louisiana. Dr. Ragland and is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Erythema Nodosum. His top areas of expertise are Gardner-Diamond Syndrome, Purpura, Autoerythrocyte Sensitivity, and Alopecia Areata. Dr. Ragland is currently accepting new patients.
Erythema nodosum is uncomfortable, but not dangerous in most cases.
Symptoms most often go away within about 6 weeks, but may return.
Contact your provider if you develop symptoms of erythema nodosum.
Summary: Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) represent a group of immune-mediated disorders, in which currently unidentified trigger factors drive the manifestation of chronic relapsing- remitting destructive inflammatory episodes in the gut. IBD comprise two main disease entities, ulcerati\ie colitis (UC) and Crohn s disease (CD). The diseases differ in anatomical distribution, with continuous, uniform infl...
Summary: Erythema Nodosum Leprosum (ENL) is a painful, debilitating complication of leprosy. Patients often require high doses of corticosteroids for prolonged periods. Thalidomide is expensive and not available in most countries. The use of corticosteroids for long periods is associated with adverse effects and mortality. It is a priority to identify alternative agents to treat ENL. Methotrexate (MTX) is ...
Published Date: July 01, 2023
Published By: Ramin Fathi, MD, FAAD, Director, Phoenix Surgical Dermatology Group, Phoenix, AZ. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
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