Erythema NodosumPronounced: AIR-uh-THEE-ma no-DOSE-um
by
Ricker Polsdorfer, MD DefinitionErythema nodosum is the name given to tender lumps on the legs and sometimes the arms. They are caused by inflammation of the fat or connective tissue beneath the skin.
CausesErythema nodosum is thought to be a type of autoimmune reaction. It may be caused by:
Sometimes the cause of erythema nodosum is not known. Risk FactorsThis condition is rare. It is more common in females and young adults aged 20-30 years old. Having any of the causes listed above will only slightly increase your risk of the disorder. SymptomsSymptoms include:
DiagnosisYou will be asked about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done, which may diagnose the problem based on a visual exam. You may be referred to a doctor that focuses on skin problems or infectious diseases. Your bodily fluids and cells may be tested to look for a cause. This can be done with:
Images may be taken of your bodily structures. This can be done with a chest x-ray and other imaging tests. TreatmentIf a cause can be identified, it will be treated. For the nodules themselves, pain relief is all that is needed. They tend to resolve on their own in about 6 weeks. They will not cause scarring. Treatment options include the following: Pain ReliefPain relief includes:
Other TreatmentOther medications such as steroids, may be necessary in severe cases. PreventionSome of the infectious causes can be avoided by practicing good hygiene, which includes:
RESOURCES:American Academy of Dermatology https://www.aad.org Family Doctor—American Academy of Family Physicians http://fahttps://familydoctor.orgmilydoctor.org CANADIAN RESOURCES:Canadian Dermatology Association https://dermatology.ca Health Canada https://www.canada.ca References:
Erythema nodosum. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at:
http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T116219/Erythema-nodosum
Updated February 23, 2016. Accessed August 18, 2017.
Erythema nodosum. DermNet New Zealand website. Available at: https://www.dermnetnz.org/topics/erythema-nodosum. Accessed August 18, 2017. Erythema nodosum. Better Health Channel website. Available at:
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/erythema-nodosum. Updated April 2016. Accessed August 18, 2017. Requena L, Yus ES. Erythema nodosum.
Dermatol Clin. 2008;26(4):425-438. Last reviewed September 2018 by
EBSCO Medical Review Board
Michael Woods, MD, FAAP Last Updated: 8/7/2015 | |
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