Erythema nodosum

Erythema Nodosum

It is an inflammatory disorder affecting subcutaneous fat.

It presents as tender red nodules on the anterior shins mainly

More common in females

Clinical features

Erythema nodosum presents with tender bilateral erythematous subcutaneous nodules erupting over one to several weeks.

The patient may have a fever and joint pain

Causes

Infections

Tuberculosis

Streptococcal throat infection

Chlamydia,

Fungal infections such as histoplasmosis,

Parasitic infections such as amoebiasis, giardiasis

Viral infections such as herpes simplex, viral hepatitis, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection

Medications

• Sulfonamide
• Amoxicillin
• Oral contraceptive
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
• Bromide
• Salicylate
• Gold salt

Others

• Inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis or Crohn disease)
• Sarcoidosis
• Malignancy
• Lymphoma
• Leukemia
• Behçet disease
• Pregnancy

Diagnosis

Clinical

Management

Treat the cause