Erythema nodosum
From Ganfyd
Painful and/or tender reddened nodules commonly on shins or lower limbs lasting 2-3 weeks and fading leaving bruised appearance. Classed as a panniculitis. Commonest in young, especially female, adults. Association with arthralgia and fever. There is inflammation in the dermis and subcutaneous layer of skin.
Causes of Erythema nodosum
- streptococcal infection
- Drugs such as sulphonamides COCP, aspirin
- Sarcoidosis
- Yersinia infection
- TB
- Leprosy
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Chlamydia
Management is primarily of the underlying cause. Symptomatic relief with and rest/compression.
Investigation
Chest Xray and throat swab. Other indicators of streptococcal infection such as ASOT may be useful.
Erythema nodosum in pregnancy
Some women get EN in pregnancy. They are likely to get it again in subsequent pregnancies and the contraceptive pill also produces recurrences. The eruptions and histology have not been distinguished from those of EN from most other causes.
