Erythema Nodosum – Causes, Symptoms and Treatments!
Erythema Nodosum – Causes, Symptoms and Treatments that we should not ignore. In addition, Erythema Nodosum is inflammation of the fatty layer under the skin of the shins. Erythema nodosum is the most common form of the group of skin conditions called panniculitis.
The skin often develops painful red bumps or patches and will become darker and feel harder. The condition may clear up on its own without treatment after a few weeks, but for some people the condition will return.
What it is: It is a type of skin inflammation that is located in a part of the fatty layer of the skin . Erythema nodosum results in red, painful, tender lumps most commonly located on the front of the legs below the knees.
The nodules, or nodules, of Erythema nodosum range in size from a penny to a quarter. They can be inflamed for a period of weeks, then shrink and go flat, leaving a bruised appearance.
Erythema nodosum may go away on its own in three to six weeks. After it fades, it may only leave a temporary bruised appearance or a chronic indentation in the skin where the fatty layer was injured.
Chronic erythema nodosum is a condition where the lesions appear elsewhere, over a period of weeks to months. However, chronic erythema nodosum that can last for years is another pattern. Chronic erythema nodosum, with occasional recurrences, can occur with or without an underlying disease present.
What Causes: It can occur with or without another medical condition. Conditions that are linked to Erythema nodosum include medications (sulfa-related drugs, birth control pills, estrogens), strep throat, cat scratch disease, fungal diseases, infectious mononucleosis, sarcoidosis, Behcet’s disease, inflammatory bowel disease ( Crohn’s disease) and ulcerative colitis), and normal pregnancy.
How It’s Diagnosed: The doctor would first do a physical exam of the rash. However, a biopsy – a procedure in which a small section of affected skin is taken to examine more closely – is usually necessary to confirm the diagnosis of Erythema nodosum .
How It’s Treated: It is initially managed by identifying and treating any underlying condition along with skin lesions. Treatments for erythema nodosum include anti-inflammatory medications and cortisone by mouth or injection. Currently, colchicine is used effectively to reduce inflammation.
Treatment must be personalized to the particular patient and their symptoms. It is important to note that erythema nodosum, while irritating and often painful, does not threaten the internal organs and the long-term outlook is generally very good.