Erythema nodosum is a dermatological inflammation, characterized by the appearance of painful lumps under the skin, about 1 to 5 cm, which have a reddish color and are usually located in the lower legs and arms.
However, there may be other symptoms such as:
- Joint pain; Low fever; Increased lymph nodes; Tiredness; Loss of appetite.
This change can affect people of all ages, being more common from 15 to 30 years old. Symptoms usually disappear in 3 to 6 weeks, but in some people, they may last longer, lasting up to 1 year.
Erythema nodosum is a type of panniculitis, and is considered a symptom of some diseases, such as leprosy, tuberculosis and ulcerative colitis, but it can also be caused by an allergic reaction to certain medications.
How to diagnose
The diagnosis can be made by a dermatologist through the assessment of symptoms and physical examination of the person, and is confirmed by biopsy of a nodule.
Then, treatment is done according to the cause of the erythema nodosum, in addition to the use of anti-inflammatories and rest to relieve symptoms. Find out how treatment for erythema nodosum is done.
Main causes
The inflammation that causes erythema nodosum happens due to immune reactions in the body, caused by:
- Infections by bacteria, fungi and viruses, such as pharyngitis and erysipelas, caused by streptococcus-type bacteria, mycoses caused by fungi, viruses such as mononucleosis or hepatitis, and contagion by mycobacteria, such as those that cause tuberculosis and leprosy; Use of some medications, such as penicillin, sulfa and contraceptives; Autoimmune diseases, such as lupus, sarcoidosis and inflammatory bowel disease; Pregnancy due to hormonal changes in the period; Some types of cancer, such as lymphoma.
However, there are people in whom the cause may not be found, being, in these cases, called idiopathic nodular erythema.
