Erythema Nodosum

What is erythema nodosum?
Erythema nodosum is a condition that causes inflammation of the skin’s fatty layer. It is most often observed on the anterior leg below the knee as painful, red, tender bumps. After the condition subsides, it can leave temporary bruising or indentations where the fatty layer of the skin had been affected.

What can cause erythema nodosum?

• Medications
• Strep throat
• Cat scratch disease
• Fungal diseases
• Sarcoidosis
• Infectious mononucleosis
• Behcet’s disease
• Inflammatory bowel diseases
• Pregnancy

What is the treatment?

Erythema nodosum can go away on its own within three to six weeks. However, in chronic erythema nodosum, one can notice recurring bumps over a long period of time and treatment might be necessary to relieve symptoms.

• Treating the underlying condition
• Treat the skin lesions
• Topical medications: Topical cortisone can help decrease symptoms of itch.
• Anti-inflammatory drugs: An example of an anti-inflammatory drug used to treat this condition is Colchicine.

If you are experiencing painful bumps on your lower legs, our dermatologists can help diagnose your condition and recommend the appropriate treatment.