Erythema Nodosum
Erythema nodosum is a form of inflammation of the skin located in the fatty layer of the skin. Erythema nodosum gives a picture of redness, pain, and small lumps that are mostly located on the front of the leg below the knee.
The lumps or nodules of erythema nodosum vary in size. These lumps can experience inflammation that disappears and reappears for several weeks, then shrink and become flat, leaving bruises.
Symptoms of Erythema Nodosum
Erythema nodosum presents with flu-like symptoms and sneezing. Joint pain may occur during the relapsing phase. Most lesions resolve within 7 to 18 weeks.
- The main lesion there is redness on the front leg area with irregular borders. The size of the lesion is approximately 2-6 cm.
- Distribution of lesions. Lesions appear on the forelimbs; however, they may occur on any surface.
- Changes in skin color.
Causes of Erythema Nodosum
Erythema nodosum occurs with or without other medical conditions. Medical conditions that may be associated with erythema nodosum include medications (especially those containing sulfa, birth control pills, and estrogen), strep throat, fungal infections, infectious mononucleosis, sarcoidosis, Behcet’s disease, inflammatory bowel disease, and normal pregnancy.
Risk Factors for Erythema Nodosum
Risk factors that can increase erythema nodosum include:
- Infections, such as throat infections or tuberculosis;
- Previous medical history, especially related to reactions to antibiotics (sulfonamides and penicillins), salicylates, iodides, and birth control pills;
- Previous pregnancy history;
- Cancer (rare);
- Coccidioidomycosis, a lung and respiratory tract infection.
Diagnosis of Erythema Nodosum
The doctor will first perform a physical examination of the rash or inflammation complained of by the patient. A biopsy by taking a small part of the sample, can be done to see the cells that form the skin lump that forms, to confirm the diagnosis of erythema nodosum.
Complications of Erythema Nodosum
Almost all cases of this disease will heal on their own within 3-4 weeks, while there are some more severe cases that require around 6 weeks.
However, there is a risk of recurrence, especially in patients with idiopathic erythema nodosum associated with streptococcal infections, especially upper respiratory tract infections. Complications are rare, unless the patient has another underlying disease that causes erythema nodosum.
Erythema Nodosum Treatment
Treatment that can be done is to identify all the underlying causes of erythema nodosum. Then the doctor can provide treatment for the underlying disease.
Treatment for erythema nodosum generally includes anti-inflammatory medications and cortisone, either orally or by injection. Colchicine can sometimes be used effectively to reduce inflammation. Treatment should be tailored to the specific patient and their symptoms. Although erythema nodosum is often painful, it is not life-threatening and has a good prognosis.
Prevention of Erythema Nodosum
Restricting activities during erythema nodosum can prevent the recurrence of the disease.
