Erythema nodosum is a skin reaction that occurs secondary to many processes, especially infections.
This reaction forms a red nodules and / or purplish skin, about two to three centimeters in diameter, which are often located in the anterior tibia, although it may occur in the arms. They are very painful, especially to the touch. Actually, this is a hypersensitivity reaction of the skin, although its exact mechanism is unknown.
It occurs most often in women between 20 and 30 years without knowing exactly why.
The nodules typically appear as outbreaks are accompanied by fever, fatigue and joint pain. The lesions resolved within 3-4 weeks and heal without scarring. In some cases, the condition may occur more than once (use) over time.
The causes are multiple, including: pregnancy, certain medications (eg oral contraceptives.) Malignancies such as lymphoma, bacterial infections, strep, tuberculosis, leptospirosis, cat scratch disease, fungal infections, or viruses (such as cytomegalovirus, infectious mononucleosis …) Also diseases of unknown origin, suspected of an autoimmune component such as sarcoidosis or inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease).
If there is doubt about the diagnosis, biopsy of the lesions are usually clarify the diagnosis. Treatment of erythema nodosum should be based initially in diagnosing and treating the underlying cause and on bed rest and symptomatic treatment of severe forms with NSAIDs. In highly symptomatic or refractory cases may require long deal with oral corticosteroids.
Tags: bacterial infections, Erythema nodosum, purplish skin, Treatment of erythema nodosum
