What is the most common cause of erythema nodosum?

What is the most common cause of erythema nodosum?

Beta-hemolytic streptococcal infections are the most common identifiable cause of erythema nodosum. Streptococcal infections account for up to 44 percent of cases in adults and 48 percent of cases in children.

What causes the erythema?

Erythema is a type of skin rash caused by injured or inflamed blood capillaries. It usually occurs in response to a drug, disease or infection. Rash severity ranges from mild to life threatening.

What diseases are associated with erythema nodosum?

Diseases that can cause erythema nodosum

• Streptococcal infections.
• Sarcoidosis (inflammation of the lymph nodes and other organs)
• Coccidioidomycosis (infection of the upper respiratory tract and lungs)
• Histoplasmosis (an infectious pulmonary disease)
• Tuberculosis.
• Psittacosis (a flu-like disease)

Does erythema nodosum come and go?

Characteristic features of erythema nodosum include barely raised, tender, reddish nodules, most commonly below the knees in the front of the legs. They are typically painful and can slowly come and go.

Is exercise good for erythema nodosum?

In the meantime, however, the tenderness of the skin lesions may be alleviated by the following: Restriction of physical activity or bed rest. Elevation of the legs (if they are affected) Cool or warm compresses.

What autoimmune disease causes erythema nodosum?

Erythema nodosum is a reactive inflammatory panniculitis that develops in up to 25% of patients with sarcoidosis. Erythema nodosum is characterized by erythematous to violaceous to brown, tender, warm subcutaneous nodules, classically located on the pretibial leg (Fig. 11.13).

How do you treat erythema nodosum?

Erythema nodosum almost always resolves on its own, and the nodules may go away in 3 to 6 weeks without treatment. Bed rest, cool compresses, elevation of the legs, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may help relieve the pain caused by the nodules. Potassium iodide tablets may be given to decrease inflammation.

What are the causes of erythema nodosum in adults?

Up to 55 percent of cases have no clear identifiable cause. Sometimes, erythema nodosum is not a separate disease. Rather, it is a sign of some other infection, disease, or of a sensitivity to a drug. These diseases include: Coccidioidomycosis (infection of the upper respiratory tract and lungs)

How long does it take for erythema nodosum to show up?

The onset of Drug-Induced Erythema Nodosum may be slow or rapid. In some cases, it may not be noted immediately, but may take some days to weeks. In some cases, it may take much longer for the manifestation of significant symptoms. The signs and symptoms of Drug-Induced Erythema Nodosum may include:

What are the symptoms of erythema nodosum in the shins?

Symptoms may include: 1 Red, tender bumps on the shins 2 Fever 3 Joint pain 4 Enlarged lymph nodes in the chest

Can a throat swab be used to diagnose erythema nodosum?

The biopsy is done along with complete lab work. However, the exact cause cannot always be identified. Erythema nodosum caused by medicine can usually be diagnosed by elimination of the medicine causing the reaction. A throat swab may be done to check for strep infection.