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Erythema nodosum usually is caused by a reaction to a drug, an infection (bacterial, fungal, or viral), or another disorder such as inflammatory bowel disease.
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Typical symptoms include fever, joint pain, and characteristic painful red bumps and bruises on the person's shins.
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The diagnosis is based on symptoms and may be supported by results of tests that suggest a possible cause, a chest x-ray, blood tests, and a biopsy.
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People stop taking suspected drugs, underlying conditions or infections are treated, and pain is relieved by bed rest, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and sometimes a corticosteroid.
People in their 20s and 30s, particularly women, are most prone to the disorder.
Quite often, erythema nodosum is a symptom of some other disease or is a reaction to a drug, but the cause is unknown in up to one third of affected people.
The most common triggers include
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Streptococcal infection (especially in children)
Other possible triggers include other bacterial infections (such as tuberculosis), viral infections (such as hepatitis B), various drugs (such as sulfa antibiotics and oral contraceptives), pregnancy, Behçet disease, and several types of cancer.
Symptoms of Erythema Nodosum
Diagnosis of Erythema Nodosum
Treatment of Erythema Nodosum
Erythema nodosum almost always resolves on its own, and the nodules may go away in 3 to 6 weeks without treatment. Bed rest, cool compresses, elevation of the legs, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may help relieve the pain caused by the nodules. Potassium iodide tablets may be given to decrease inflammation.
Corticosteroids taken by mouth are effective but are given only as a last resort because they can worsen an underlying infection even if one has not been identified.
Drugs that might be causing erythema nodosum are stopped, and any underlying infections or disorders are treated. If the disorder is caused by a streptococcal infection, a person may have to take antibiotics, such as penicillin, or a cephalosporin.
Drugs Mentioned In This Article
| Generic Name | Select Brand Names |
|---|---|
Potassium iodide |
THYROSHIELD |
