Erythema NodosumSymptoms, Doctors, Treatments, Advances & More
Learn About Erythema Nodosum
Erythema nodosum is an inflammatory disorder. It involves tender, red bumps (nodules) under the skin.
In about half of cases, the exact cause of erythema nodosum is unknown. The remaining cases are associated with an infection or other systemic disorder.
Some of the more common infections associated with the disorder are:
- Streptococcus (most common)
- Cat scratch disease
- Chlamydia
- Coccidioidomycosis
- Hepatitis B
- Histoplasmosis
- Leptospirosis
- Mononucleosis (EBV)
- Mycobacteria
- Mycoplasma
- Psittacosis
- Syphilis
- Tuberculosis
- Tularemia
- Yersinia
Erythema nodosum may occur with sensitivity to certain medicines, including:
- Antibiotics, including amoxicillin and other penicillins
- Sulfonamides
- Sulfones
- Birth control pills
- Progestin
Sometimes, erythema nodosum may occur during pregnancy.
Other disorders linked to this condition include leukemia, lymphoma, sarcoidosis, rheumatic fever, Behcet disease, and ulcerative colitis.
The condition is more common in women than it is in men.
Erythema nodosum is most common on the front of the shins. It may also occur on other areas of the body such as the buttocks, calves, ankles, thighs, and arms.
The lesions begin as flat, firm, hot, red, painful lumps that are about 1 inch (in) or 2.5 centimeters (cm) across. Within a few days, they may become purplish in color. Over several weeks, the lumps fade to a brownish, flat patch.
Other symptoms may include:
- Fever
- General ill feeling (malaise)
- Joint aches
- Skin redness, inflammation, or irritation
- Swelling of the leg or other affected area
The underlying infection, medicine, or disease should be identified and treated.
Treatment may include:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
- Stronger anti-inflammatory medicines called corticosteroids, taken by mouth or given as a shot.
- Potassium iodide (SSKI) solution, most often given as drops added to orange juice.
- Other oral medicines that work on the body's immune system.
- Pain medicines (analgesics).
- Rest.
- Raising the sore area (elevation).
- Hot or cold compresses to help reduce discomfort.
Endoscopy Services Center-Billingsley
Tarun Narang is a Gastroenterologist practicing medicine in Charlotte, North Carolina. Dr. Narang is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Erythema Nodosum. He is also highly rated in 72 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Erythema Nodosum, Bile Duct Obstruction, Cholestasis, Gastrectomy, and Pancreatectomy.
Stephan Vavricka practices practicing medicine in Zurich, Switzerland. Vavricka is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Erythema Nodosum. They are also highly rated in 23 other conditions, according to our data. Their clinical expertise encompasses Viral Gastroenteritis, Colitis, Ulcerative Colitis, Endoscopy, and Colonoscopy.
Diana Lockwood practices practicing medicine in London, United Kingdom. Ms. Lockwood is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Erythema Nodosum. She is also highly rated in 4 other conditions, according to our data. Her clinical expertise encompasses Erythema Nodosum, Leprosy, Leishmaniasis, and Neuralgia.
Erythema nodosum is uncomfortable, but not dangerous in most cases.
Symptoms most often go away within about 6 weeks, but may return.
Contact your provider if you develop symptoms of erythema nodosum.
Summary: Dovramilast has not been approved for leprosy type 2 reaction (erythema nodosum leprosum, ENL) or any other disease anywhere in the world. In this study, an experimental drug called dovramilast is being tested to see how it compares to current treatments for leprosy type 2 reaction. Specifically, this study aims to assess the efficacy of 100mg or 150 mg dovramilast compared with standard treatment...
Summary: Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) represent a group of immune-mediated disorders, in which currently unidentified trigger factors drive the manifestation of chronic relapsing- remitting destructive inflammatory episodes in the gut. IBD comprise two main disease entities, ulcerati\ie colitis (UC) and Crohn s disease (CD). The diseases differ in anatomical distribution, with continuous, uniform infl...
Published Date: August 02, 2025
Published By: Ramin Fathi, MD, FAAD, Director, Phoenix Surgical Dermatology Group, Phoenix, AZ. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
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