Erythema nodosum: what it is, symptoms, causes and treatment

Erythema nodosum is a situation that can occur due to the use of medications, autoimmune diseases or infection with bacteria or viruses, and is characterized by the appearance of red or purple nodules on the skin, especially on the shin.

It is important that the cause of erythema nodosum is identified by a dermatologist or general practitioner so that the need for treatment can be assessed.

In most cases, this type of erythema disappears after a few weeks, without the need for treatment, however the doctor may recommend that the person rest and take anti-inflammatory medications to reduce the pain.

Read too: Erythema: what it is, symptoms, types, causes and treatment
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Photo of erythema nodosum

Symptoms of erythema nodosum

The main symptoms of erythema nodosum are:

• Red or purple nodules on the skin;
• Joint pain;
• Enlarged lymph nodes;
• Low fever;
• Tiredness;
• Loss of appetite.

Symptoms of erythema nodosum tend to appear more easily in women between 20 and 30 years old, but they can occur in anyone of any age, being mainly observed in the shin region and, in some cases, on the arms.

How the diagnosis is made

The diagnosis of erythema nodosum must be made by a dermatologist or general practitioner based on observation of the signs and symptoms presented by the person. Furthermore, in some cases, a biopsy of the erythema may be indicated to evaluate its characteristics and, thus, verify the severity of the inflammation and the possible associated cause.

If you want to confirm the risk of erythema nodosum, make an appointment with the dermatologist closest to you:

To better identify the cause responsible for erythema nodosum, the doctor may recommend performing a chest x-ray, blood tests and a skin test to detect tuberculosis, for example.

Main causes

The appearance of erythema nodosum can be triggered by several factors that lead to a response from the immune system, the main ones being:

• Bacterial infections, mainly by bacteria of the genus Streptococcus sp., in addition to being triggered by tuberculosis and leprosy, which are diseases caused by bacteria of the genus Mycobacterium sp.;
• Fungal infection;
• Virus infectionsuch as the virus responsible for hepatitis and SARS-CoV-2, which is the virus responsible for COVID-19;
• Use of some medicationssuch as penicillin, sulfamethoxazole and oral contraceptives;
• Autoimmune diseasessuch as lupus, sarcoidosis and inflammatory bowel disease;
• Pregnancydue to hormonal changes during the period;
• Some types of cancersuch as lymphoma.

However, there are people in whom the cause may not be found, in these cases it is called idiopathic erythema nodosum.

How the treatment is carried out

In most cases, erythema nodosum disappears on its own within 6 weeks, without the need for specific treatment. However, your doctor may recommend the use of some medications to speed recovery and alleviate the pain and discomfort that may be associated with erythema nodosum.

Therefore, it may be recommended that the person rests with their legs elevated and compresses with cold water, and in some cases it may be recommended that the person also use anti-inflammatory medications or corticosteroids to reduce pain.

Furthermore, it is important that the cause of erythema nodosum is identified, as this way the doctor can recommend specific treatment, if necessary. Therefore, depending on the cause, it may be recommended to suspend the medication responsible for the erythema, use of antibiotics or antivirals.

Natural treatment

Another way to promote relief from the symptoms of erythema nodosum is through natural measures. A good option is to increase your consumption of foods that control inflammation, such as garlic, turmeric, cloves, fish rich in omega-3, such as tuna and salmon, citrus fruits, such as orange and lemon, and red fruits, such as strawberries. and blackberries, and vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower and ginger. Check out the complete list of anti-inflammatory foods.

Furthermore, it is important to avoid foods that can worsen the inflammation and symptoms of erythema nodosum, such as fried foods, sugar, red meat, canned and processed foods, milk, alcoholic beverages and processed foods.

However, natural treatment should not replace the treatment and recommendations indicated by the doctor, but should only be complementary.