Erythema Nodosum
Erythema nodosum is a skin condition in which patches of fat under the skin of the lower legs become inflamed. This causes painful bumps (nodules) to form.
What are the causes?
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Infections. Strep throat (pharyngitis) is a common cause.
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Certain medicines, especially birth control pills, penicillin, and sulfa medicines.
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Sarcoidosis.
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Pregnancy.
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Certain inflammatory conditions, such as Crohn’s disease.
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Certain cancers.
In some cases, the cause may not be known.
What increases the risk?
This condition is more likely to develop in young adult women. This may be related to birth control pills.
What are the signs or symptoms?
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Look like raised bruises and are tender to the touch.
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Usually appear on the front of the lower legs (shins) and may also appear on the arms or the abdomen.
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Gradually change in color from pink to brown.
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Leave a dark mark that fades away after several months.
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Fever.
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Tiredness(fatigue).
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Joint pain.
How is this diagnosed?
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Your symptoms and your medical history.
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A physical exam.
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Tests, such as:
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Blood tests.
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X-rays.
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A skin sample may be removed (skin biopsy) to be examined by a specialist (pathologist).
How is this treated?
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NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen, for pain and inflammation.
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Potassium iodide supplements.
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Steroid medicines.
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Resting and raising (elevating) the affected legs.
Follow these instructions at home:
Medicines
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Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
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If you were prescribed an antibiotic medicine, take or apply it as told by your health care provider. Do not stop using the antibiotic even if you start to feel better.
Managing pain, stiffness, and swelling
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If directed, put ice on the affected area. To do this:
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Put ice in a plastic bag.
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Place a towel between your skin and the bag.
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Leave the ice on for 20 minutes, 2–3 times a day.
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Remove the ice if your skin turns bright red. This is very important. If you cannot feel pain, heat, or cold, you have a greater risk of damage to the area.
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Elevate the affected area above the level of your heart while you are sitting or lying down.
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Wear a compression bandage as told by your health care provider.
Activity
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Rest and return to your normal activities as told by your health care provider. Ask your health care provider what activities are safe for you.
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Avoid very intense (vigorous) exercise until your symptoms go away.
General instructions
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Avoid scratching your skin.
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To relieve itchiness, make a paste with dry oatmeal and warm water, then put the paste on itchy areas. Let the paste dry, remove it, and then apply moisturizer. You may do this 2–3 times a day, or as needed.
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Keep all follow-up visits. This is important.
Contact a health care provider if you:
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Have symptoms that do not get better with treatment and home care.
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Have a fever that does not go away.
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Vomit more than one time.
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Have pain that gets worse.
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Have a sore throat.
Summary
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Erythema nodosum is a skin condition that causes painful bumps (nodules) to form.
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The bumps usually appear on the front of the lower legs (shins).
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Avoid very intense (vigorous) exercise until your symptoms go away.
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Contact a health care provider if you have a fever or if your symptoms do not improve.
This information is not intended to replace advice given to you by your health care provider. Make sure you discuss any questions you have with your health care provider.
Are there any post symptoms that follows Erythema Nodosum recovery? (4 months)
I am having pain if i walk for a while or do any physical effort
While the nodules of Erythema Nodosum usually resolve within a few weeks to months, some individuals might experience residual pain or discomfort in the affected areas even after the nodules have disappeared. This residual pain might be due to inflammation or irritation of the tissues in the area where the nodules were present.
If you’re still experiencing pain or discomfort several months after the nodules have disappeared, it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare professional. They can assess your symptoms, evaluate any ongoing inflammation or potential complications, and provide appropriate recommendations or treatment to alleviate your discomfort.