Erythema Nodosum - Symptoms and Treatment of Erythema Nodosum

Erythema Nodosum (EN) is a inflammatory skin condition in which there is a red swelling or nodules (size from 1 to 5 centimeters) appear on the shins, thighs, forearms lower arms, lower legs, limbs. Erythema Nodosum is a form of panniculitis and also occur with fever, Crohn's disease, asymmetrical large joint arthropathy and ulcerative colitis. In remission state, this disease usually subsides.We may also call it as Red Nodules.

Cause of erythema nodosum

• Streptococcal infection is one of the common cause.
• Erythema nodosum associated with Cat scratch disease, Behcet's disease, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Leptospirosis, autoimmune disorders etc.
• Another cause of EN is drugs such as sulfa drugs, Barbiturates, Progestin and some oral contraceptive pill.
• Sarcoidosis, coccidioidomycosis, histoplasmosisare some of the causes of EN.
• Up to 50% of erythema nodosum cases are idiopathic.

Symptoms of erythema nodosum

• The most common symptom of EN is red spots, these spots occurs anywhere there is fat.
• After some days these spots become bluish purple, brownish, yellowish, and finally green.
• Generally, in this case patient may feel ill.
• There are some another symptoms like loss of weight, low grade fever, cough etc.
• These spots may take few weeks to clear completely & may assume a bruise-like appearance as they fade.
• They are not ulcerated or scarred.

Treatment of erythema nodosum

• Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory drugs like oxyphenbutazone, indomethacin, aspirin, naproxen, potassium iodide etc are useful in the treatment of erythema nodosum.
• Corticosteroid or colchicine are given to the patient for pain relief or reduce inflammation.
• Bed rest and leg elevation may also recommended in some patients.
• Wet compresses are also useful.
• When erythema nodosum is associated with inflammatory bowel disease-associated, then we use steroids in combination with hydroxychloroquine, sandimmune, or thalidomide.