Erythema Nodosum

Definition

Erythema nodosum is a skin disorder characterized by painful red nodules appearing mostly on the shins.

Description

Erythema nodosum is an eruption of tender red lumps on both shins and occasionally the arms and face. Bruising often accompanies the nodule formation. Erythema nodosum is most prevalent in young adults.

Causes and symptoms

Erythema nodosum can be caused by many important and treatable diseases. Among them are tuberculosis, several fungal lung infections, leprosy, inflammatory bowel disease, and some potentially dangerous bacterial infections. Drugs can also induce erythema nodosum. The most common are penicillin, sulfonamides, and birth control pills.

Diagnosis

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 in the body, and there are other kinds of inflammation that may confuse the diagnosis.

Once the skin problem has been diagnosed, its underlying cause must then be identified. A lengthy evaluation may ensue, and often times the cause remains unknown.

Treatment

Painful nodules can be treated with mild pain killers and local application of ice packs. Medical attention will be directed toward the underlying disease.

The nodules will eventually disappear, leaving no trace behind.

Resources

BOOKS

Bennett, J. Claude, and Fred Plum, editors. Cecil Textbook of Medicine. Philadelphia: W. B. Saunders Co., 1996.

KEY TERMS

Biopsy— Surgical removal of tissue for diagnostic purposes.

Panniculitis— Inflammation of fatty tissue.