Erythema nodosum is an inflammatory disorder that is characterized by tender, red nodules under the skin.
Causes, incidence, and risk factorsIn about half of cases, the exact cause of erythema nodosum is unknown. Some cases may be associated with the following:
Other associated disorders include leukemia, lymphoma, sarcoidosis, rheumatic fever, Bechet's disease, and ulcerative colitis.
The condition is more common in women than it is in men.
SymptomsErythema nodosum is most common on the shins, but it may also occur on other areas of the body (buttocks, calves, ankles, thighs, and arms).
The lesions begin as flat, firm, hot, red, painful lumps approximately an inch across. Within a few days they may become purplish, then over several weeks fade to a brownish, flat patch.
Other symptoms may include:
The red and inflamed skin symptoms may regress to a bruise-like appearance.
Signs and testsThe diagnosis is primarily based on the appearance of the skin nodules.
Punch biopsy of a nodule may show characteristic changes (septal panniculitis).
Throat culture may be done to reule out a strep infection.
Chest x-ray may be done to rule out sarcoidosis or tuberculosis.
TreatmentThe underlying infection, drug, or disease should be identified and treated. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) may reduce symptoms. An oral potassium iodide (SSKI) solution may produce prompt resolution of the nodules.
Corticosteroids or salicylate medications may be needed to reduce acuteinflammation. Analgesics and limitation of activity may be needed to control varying amounts of pain.
Topical therapy is not generally needed, although hot or cold compresses may reduce discomfort.
Expectations (prognosis)Erythema nodosum is uncomfortable, but it is usually not dangerous. Symptoms typically disappear within about 6 weeks, but may recur.
Calling your health care providerCall for an appointment with your health care provider if you develop symptoms of erythema nodosum.
ReferencesSchwartz RA, Nervi SJ. Erythema nodosum: a sign of systemic disease. Am Fam Physician. 2007;75(5):695-700.
Erythema nodosum is an inflammatory disorder that involves tender, red bumps (nodules) under the skin.
Causes, incidence, and risk factorsIn about half of cases, the exact cause of erythema nodosum is unknown. Some cases may occur with:
Other disorders linked to this condition include leukemia, lymphoma, sarcoidosis, rheumatic fever, Bechet's disease, and ulcerative colitis.
The condition is more common in women than it is in men.
SymptomsErythema nodosum is most common on the shins, but it may also occur on other areas of the body (buttocks, calves, ankles, thighs, and arms).
The lesions begin as flat, firm, hot, red, painful lumps approximately an inch across. Within a few days they may become purplish, then over several weeks fade to a brownish, flat patch.
Other symptoms may include:
The red and inflamed skin symptoms may regress to a bruise-like appearance.
Signs and testsYour doctor can diagnose this condition by looking at your skin. Tests that may be done include:
The underlying infection, drug, or disease should be identified and treated.
Treatment may include:
Erythema nodosum is uncomfortable, but it is usually not dangerous.
Symptoms usually go away within about 6 weeks, but may return.
Calling your health care providerCall for an appointment with your health care provider if you develop symptoms of erythema nodosum.
ReferencesSchwartz RA, Nervi SJ. Erythema nodosum: a sign of systemic disease. Am Fam Physician. 2007;75(5):695-700.
Reviewed ByReview Date: 11/22/2011
Kevin Berman, MD, PhD, Atlanta Center for Dermatologic Disease, Atlanta, GA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
Hello, I see you are asking "What is erythema nodosum?" Erythema nodosum is characterized by tender, red bumps, usually found symmetrically on the shins. Up to 55 percent of cases have no clear identifiable cause. Sometimes, erythema nodosum is not a separate disease. Rather, it is a sign of some other infection, disease, or of a sensitivity to a drug. For more information, you can visit this URL - skincarehealthcenter. com/condition/erythema-nodosum/c/11364
Yes
Erythema nodosum is an eruption of tender red lumps on both shins and occasionally the arms and face. Bruising often accompanies the nodule formation.
017.1 Erythema nodosum with hypersensitivity reaction in tuberculosis[0-6]Bazin's diseaseErythema:induratumnodosum, tuberculousTuberculosis indurativaExcludes:erythema nodosum NOS (695.2) view7.6976413726807 695.0 Toxic erythemaErythema venenatum view7.2985882759094 713.3 Arthropathy associated with dermatological disordersCode first underlying disease, as:erythema multiforme (695.10-695.19)erythema nodosum (695.2)Excludes:psoriatic arthropathy (696.0) view7.1016163825989 695.10 Erythema multiforme, unspecifiedErythema irisHerpes iris view7.1016163825989 695.2 Erythema nodosumExcludes:tuberculous erythema nodosum (017.1) view5.8707094192505 695.19 Other erythema multiforme view5.8707094192505 946.1 Erythema [first degree] view5.8707094192505 949.1 Erythema [first degree] view5.8068675994873 057.0 Erythema infectiosum [fifth disease] view5.8068675994873 695.11 Erythema multiforme minor
The nodules will eventually disappear, leaving no trace behind.
Ask your doctor about Erythema Nodosum. Erythema nodosum is a type of skin inflammation that is located in a certain portion of the fatty layer of skin. Erythema nodosum (also called EN) results in reddish, painful, tender lumps most commonly located in the front of the legs below the knees. The tender lumps, or nodules, of erythema nodosum range in size from 1 to 5 centimeters. The nodular swelling is caused by a special pattern of inflammation in the fatty layer of skin. Erythema nodosum can be self-limited and resolve on its own in three to six weeks. Upon resolution, it may leave only a temporary bruised appearance or leave a chronic indentation in the skin where the fatty layer has been injured.
Erythema multiforme is inadvertently treated when the causative agent, whether it be a drug or a disease, is treated. In severe cases, cortisone-like medication is often used along with general supportive measures and.
Painful nodules can be treated with mild pain killers and local application of ice packs. Medical attention will be directed toward the underlying disease.
There are a few other skin eruptions that mimic erythema nodosum, so the physician may have to perform a biopsy to sort them out. There are a few types of panniculitis, fat inflammation, that may signal a cancer somewhere.
When the antigens combine with the antibodies to M. Leprae in the bloodstream, a reaction called erythema nodosum leprosum may occur, resulting in new lesions and peripheral nerve damage.
I believe that you mean Erythema Nodosum. It is described as: A tender, red, nodular rash on the shins that usually arises in conjunction with other illnesses, such as streptococcal, fungal, or tubercular infection. Also may occur with inflammatory bowel disease, occult cancer, or sarcoidosis. Because it's usually associated with a serious disease, a diagnostic search for the underlying cause is normally done. Sometimes though, NO underlying cause is found.
The birth control pill isn't associated with skin bruising. Erythema nodosum is a painful skin condition associated with the birth control pill, and it may be confused with bruising. See your health care provider for advice specific to your situation.