Erythema nodosum

Erythema nodosum: causes, symptoms and treatment

Erythema nodosum, also known as erythema nodosum, is a common type of skin reaction that can occur in response to various factors. It is characterized by the appearance of painful, red nodules on the skin, usually on the legs. In this article we will look at the causes, symptoms and treatment of this disease.

Causes

Erythema nodosum can occur in response to a variety of factors, including infections, autoimmune diseases, medications, and other factors. The most common reasons are:

1. Infections: Erythema nodosum most often occurs in response to infections, such as respiratory tract infections, tuberculosis, streptococcal infections and others.
2. Autoimmune diseases: Some autoimmune diseases, such as ankylosing spondylitis, sarcoidosis and others, can cause the development of erythema nodosum.
3. Medications: Certain medications, such as antibiotics, anti-anxiety medications, and others, can cause the development of erythema nodosum.
4. Other factors: Some other factors such as pregnancy, cancer and others can also cause the development of erythema nodosum.

Symptoms

The main symptom of erythema nodosum is the appearance of painful, red nodules on the skin, usually on the legs. These nodes can range in size from a few millimeters to several centimeters and can be single or in groups. Nodules may be accompanied by pain, swelling and redness of the skin around the nodes. In some cases, other symptoms may also appear, such as fever, headache, weakness and others.

Treatment

Treatment for erythema nodosum depends on the cause of its occurrence. In most cases, treatment is aimed at eliminating the underlying disease that caused the development of erythema nodosum. If erythema nodosum is caused by a drug, the drug may need to be changed or discontinued. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen may be used to reduce pain and inflammation. In some cases, the use of glucocorticosteroids may be necessary. In addition, cold compresses and supportive care may be used to reduce pain and swelling.

In conclusion, erythema nodosum is a common type of skin reaction that can occur in response to various factors, including infections, autoimmune diseases, medications, and others. The main symptom is the appearance of painful, red nodules on the skin, usually on the legs. Treatment is aimed at eliminating the underlying disease that caused the development of erythema nodosum, as well as reducing pain and inflammation. If you experience these symptoms, consult your doctor.

Erythema nodosum: causes, symptoms and treatment methods

Erythema nodosum is a skin disease that belongs to the group of deep angiitis. It manifests itself in the form of inflammatory nodes on the lower extremities. The pathogenesis of this disease is associated with sensitization of blood vessels in the skin and subcutaneous tissue by pathogens of various infectious diseases. Despite many years of research, the etiology of this disease still remains unknown.

The acute form of erythema nodosum develops after or against the background of common infections, such as streptococcal tonsillitis, tuberculosis, leprosy, syphilis, mycoses, and also as a result of sensitization to medications. Erythema nodosum is often a cutaneous syndrome of sarcoidosis and can act as a paraneoplastic symptom. Predisposing factors are colds, congestion in the lower extremities and hypertension.

Acute erythema nodosum is manifested by a rapid rash of painful, bright red, swollen nodules on the legs, the size of a child's palm. Fever up to 38-39 °C, general weakness, headache, and sometimes arthralgia are noted. The nodes disappear without a trace after 2-3 weeks, successively changing their color to bluish, greenish, yellow (bruise bloom). There is no ulceration of the nodes. The disease is more common in young women and children, usually after a sore throat, and does not recur.

The chronic form of erythema nodosum is characterized by a persistent recurrent course and occurs mainly in middle-aged and elderly women, often aggravated by general vascular or allergic diseases, and foci of chronic infection. Exacerbations more often occur in spring and autumn and are characterized by the appearance of a small number of inflammatory, dense, moderately painful nodes of a flesh-colored or bluish-pink color, the size of a hazelnut or walnut. The main localization is the lower legs, less often the thighs. Swelling of the lower extremities is often observed. Sometimes the nodes become ulcerated. Relapses last several months.

The diagnosis of erythema nodosum is established on the basis of clinical manifestations and data from laboratory and instrumental studies. Differential diagnosis is made with tuberculous erythema induratum and other angiitis of the skin.

Treatment of acute erythema nodosum includes bed rest, antibiotics, analgesics, anti-inflammatory drugs, warm compresses with a 10% ichthyol solution, applications of a 33% dimexide solution, butadione ointment, corticosteroid ointments and Dibunol liniment. In the chronic form, drugs that improve microcirculation, anticoagulants, immunomodulators and physiotherapeutic methods are also used.

Prevention of erythema nodosum consists of timely and comprehensive treatment of infectious diseases, strengthening the immune system, combating congestion in the lower extremities and controlling hypertension.

Thus, erythema nodosum is a serious skin disease that requires timely diagnosis and comprehensive treatment. At the first symptoms, contact a dermatologist who will conduct the necessary tests and prescribe appropriate treatment.