BACK TOTOP Browse A-ZSearchBrowse A-ZABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ0-9 E-mail FormEmail ResultsName:Email address:Recipients Name:Recipients address:Message: Print-FriendlyBookmarksbookmarks-menuErythema nodosumErythema nodosum is an inflammatory disorder. It involves tender, red bumps (nodules) under the skin.NodulesSkin nodules are solid or cystic raised bumps in the skin that are wider than 1 centimeter (cm), but less than 2 cm.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Causes 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 CoccidioidomycosisValley fever is an infection that occurs when the spores of the fungus Coccidioides immitis enter your body through the lungs.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Hepatitis B Histoplasmosis HistoplasmosisHistoplasmosis is an infection that occurs from breathing in the spores of the fungus Histoplasma capsulatum.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Leptospirosis LeptospirosisLeptospirosis is an infection caused by leptospira bacteria.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Mononucleosis (EBV) MononucleosisMononucleosis, or mono, is a viral infection that causes fever, sore throat, and swollen lymph glands, most often in the neck.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Mycobacteria Mycoplasma Psittacosis PsittacosisPsittacosis is an infection caused by Chlamydophila psittaci, a type of bacteria found in the droppings of birds. Birds spread the infection to huma...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Syphilis Tuberculosis TuberculosisPulmonary tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious bacterial infection that involves the lungs. It may spread to other organs.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Tularemia TularemiaTularemia is a bacterial infection in wild rodents. The bacteria are passed to humans through contact with tissue from the infected animal. The bac...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article 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.Rheumatic feverRheumatic fever is a disease that may develop after an infection with group A streptococcus bacteria (such as strep throat or scarlet fever). It can...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Ulcerative colitisUlcerative colitis is a condition in which the lining of the large intestine (colon) and rectum become inflamed. It is a form of inflammatory bowel ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article The condition is more common in women than it is in men. Symptoms Erythema nodosum is most common on the front of the shins. It may also occur on other areas of the body such as buttocks, calves, ankles, thighs, and arms.The lesions begin as flat, firm, hot, red, painful lumps that are about 1 inch (2.5 centimeters) 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 Exams and Tests Your health care provider can diagnose this condition by looking at your skin. Tests that may be done include: Punch biopsy of a nodule Punch biopsyA skin lesion biopsy is when a small amount of skin is removed so it can be examined under a microscope. The skin is tested to look for skin conditi...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Throat culture to check for a strep infection Chest x-ray to check for sarcoidosis or tuberculosis Blood tests to look for infections or other disorders Treatment The underlying infection, drug, 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. Outlook (Prognosis) Erythema nodosum is uncomfortable, but not dangerous in most cases.Symptoms most often go away within about 6 weeks, but may return. When to Contact a Medical Professional Contact your provider if you develop symptoms of erythema nodosum.Open ReferencesReferencesJames WD, Elston DM, Treat JR, Rosenbach MA. Diseases of the subcutaneous fat. In: James WD, Elston DM, Treat JR, Rosenbach MA, Neuhaus IM, eds. Andrews' Diseases of the Skin: Clinical Dermatology. 13th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 23.Korsten P, Sweiss NJ, Baughman RP. Sarcoidosis. In: Firestein GS, Budd RC, Gabriel SE, Koretzky GA, McInnes IB, O'Dell JR, eds. Firestein & Kelley's Textbook of Rheumatology. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 124.Moon M, Guerrero AM, Li X, Koch E, Gehris RP. Dermatology. In: Zitelli BJ, McIntire SC, Nowalk AJ, Garrison J, eds. Zitelli and Davis' Atlas of Pediatric Diagnosis. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 8.Shields BE, Forrestel A, Rosenbach M. Erythema nodosum. In: Lebwohl MG, Heymann WR, Coulson IH, Murrell DF, eds. Treatment of Skin Disease: Comprehensive Therapeutic Strategies. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 76.Zamore R, Bewtra M, Ogdie A. Inflammatory bowel disease-associated arthritis and other enteropathic arthropathies. In: Firestein GS, Budd RC, Gabriel SE, Koretzky GA, McInnes IB, O'Dell JR, eds. Firestein & Kelley's Textbook of Rheumatology. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 83.AllVideoImagesTogErythema nodosum associated with sarcoidosis - illustration This picture shows reddish-purple, hard (indurated), painful nodules (erythema nodosum) that occur most commonly on the shins. These lesions may be anywhere on the body and may be associated with tuberculosis (TB), sarcoidosis, coccidioidomycosis, systemic lupus erythematosis (SLE), fungal infections, or in response to medications.Erythema nodosum associated with sarcoidosisillustrationErythema nodosum on the foot - illustration This person has erythema nodosum nodules on the feet. The feet are red and painful. This disorder may be associated with drugs or infections. Erythema nodosum on the footillustrationErythema nodosum associated with sarcoidosis - illustration This picture shows reddish-purple, hard (indurated), painful nodules (erythema nodosum) that occur most commonly on the shins. These lesions may be anywhere on the body and may be associated with tuberculosis (TB), sarcoidosis, coccidioidomycosis, systemic lupus erythematosis (SLE), fungal infections, or in response to medications.Erythema nodosum associated with sarcoidosisillustrationErythema nodosum on the foot - illustration This person has erythema nodosum nodules on the feet. The feet are red and painful. This disorder may be associated with drugs or infections. Erythema nodosum on the footillustrationA Closer Look Erythema(Alt. Medicine)Echinacea(Alt. Medicine)Ulcerative colitis - InDepth(In-Depth)Crohn disease - InDepth(In-Depth) Tests for Erythema nodosum Hepatitis virus panelRelated Information Skin nodules(Symptoms)Valley fever(Condition)Pulmonary tuberculosis(Condition)Tularemia(Condition)Leptospirosis(Condition)Psittacosis(Condition)Histoplasmosis(Condition)Mononucleosis(Condition)Rheumatic fever(Condition)Ulcerative colitis(Condition)Lyme disease and related tick-borne infections - InDepth(In-Depth)Ulcerative colitis - InDepth(In-Depth) Review Date: 7/1/2023 Reviewed 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. The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. 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Erythema nodosumErythema nodosum is an inflammatory disorder. It involves tender, red bumps (nodules) under the skin.NodulesSkin nodules are solid or cystic raised bumps in the skin that are wider than 1 centimeter (cm), but less than 2 cm.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Causes 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 CoccidioidomycosisValley fever is an infection that occurs when the spores of the fungus Coccidioides immitis enter your body through the lungs.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Hepatitis B Histoplasmosis HistoplasmosisHistoplasmosis is an infection that occurs from breathing in the spores of the fungus Histoplasma capsulatum.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Leptospirosis LeptospirosisLeptospirosis is an infection caused by leptospira bacteria.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Mononucleosis (EBV) MononucleosisMononucleosis, or mono, is a viral infection that causes fever, sore throat, and swollen lymph glands, most often in the neck.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Mycobacteria Mycoplasma Psittacosis PsittacosisPsittacosis is an infection caused by Chlamydophila psittaci, a type of bacteria found in the droppings of birds. Birds spread the infection to huma...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Syphilis Tuberculosis TuberculosisPulmonary tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious bacterial infection that involves the lungs. It may spread to other organs.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Tularemia TularemiaTularemia is a bacterial infection in wild rodents. The bacteria are passed to humans through contact with tissue from the infected animal. The bac...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article 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.Rheumatic feverRheumatic fever is a disease that may develop after an infection with group A streptococcus bacteria (such as strep throat or scarlet fever). It can...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Ulcerative colitisUlcerative colitis is a condition in which the lining of the large intestine (colon) and rectum become inflamed. It is a form of inflammatory bowel ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article The condition is more common in women than it is in men. Symptoms Erythema nodosum is most common on the front of the shins. It may also occur on other areas of the body such as buttocks, calves, ankles, thighs, and arms.The lesions begin as flat, firm, hot, red, painful lumps that are about 1 inch (2.5 centimeters) 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 Exams and Tests Your health care provider can diagnose this condition by looking at your skin. Tests that may be done include: Punch biopsy of a nodule Punch biopsyA skin lesion biopsy is when a small amount of skin is removed so it can be examined under a microscope. The skin is tested to look for skin conditi...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Throat culture to check for a strep infection Chest x-ray to check for sarcoidosis or tuberculosis Blood tests to look for infections or other disorders Treatment The underlying infection, drug, 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. Outlook (Prognosis) Erythema nodosum is uncomfortable, but not dangerous in most cases.Symptoms most often go away within about 6 weeks, but may return. When to Contact a Medical Professional Contact your provider if you develop symptoms of erythema nodosum.Open ReferencesReferencesJames WD, Elston DM, Treat JR, Rosenbach MA. Diseases of the subcutaneous fat. In: James WD, Elston DM, Treat JR, Rosenbach MA, Neuhaus IM, eds. Andrews' Diseases of the Skin: Clinical Dermatology. 13th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 23.Korsten P, Sweiss NJ, Baughman RP. Sarcoidosis. In: Firestein GS, Budd RC, Gabriel SE, Koretzky GA, McInnes IB, O'Dell JR, eds. Firestein & Kelley's Textbook of Rheumatology. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 124.Moon M, Guerrero AM, Li X, Koch E, Gehris RP. Dermatology. In: Zitelli BJ, McIntire SC, Nowalk AJ, Garrison J, eds. Zitelli and Davis' Atlas of Pediatric Diagnosis. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 8.Shields BE, Forrestel A, Rosenbach M. Erythema nodosum. In: Lebwohl MG, Heymann WR, Coulson IH, Murrell DF, eds. Treatment of Skin Disease: Comprehensive Therapeutic Strategies. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 76.Zamore R, Bewtra M, Ogdie A. Inflammatory bowel disease-associated arthritis and other enteropathic arthropathies. In: Firestein GS, Budd RC, Gabriel SE, Koretzky GA, McInnes IB, O'Dell JR, eds. Firestein & Kelley's Textbook of Rheumatology. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 83.