Medical Care

In most patients, erythema nodosum is a self-limited disease and requires only symptomatic relief using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), cool wet compresses, elevation, and bed rest.

Consultations

Consultations with a dermatologist and/or internist may be necessary for evaluation of the underlying cause of erythema nodosum.

Activity

Patient mobility is restricted in the acute stages if pain and swelling are significant.

Compression stockings may be beneficial to decrease swelling and allow patients to maintain their normal activity level.^[22]

Prevention

Restriction of physical activities while erythema nodosum is active may prevent exacerbations of the disease.

Long-Term Monitoring

The course of erythema nodosum is benign and self-limited. Bed rest and restriction of physical activities is encouraged during the active phase.

Medication

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Media Gallery

Classic presentation of erythema nodosum with nodular red swellings over the shins.

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Author

Jeanette L Hebel, MD Dermatologist, Dermatology Associates of Lancaster; Dermatologist, Department of Dermatology, Lancaster General Hospital

Jeanette L Hebel, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology, American College of Mohs Surgery

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Specialty Editor Board

David F Butler, MD Former Section Chief of Dermatology, Central Texas Veterans Healthcare System; Professor of Dermatology, Texas A&M University College of Medicine; Founding Chair, Department of Dermatology, Scott and White Clinic

David F Butler, MD is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha, American Academy of Dermatology, Association of Military Dermatologists, Phi Beta Kappa, Texas Dermatological Society

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Edward F Chan, MD Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine

Edward F Chan, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology, American Society of Dermatopathology, Society for Investigative Dermatology

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Chief Editor

William D James, MD Paul R Gross Professor of Dermatology, Vice-Chairman, Residency Program Director, Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine

William D James, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology, Society for Investigative Dermatology

Disclosure: Received income in an amount equal to or greater than $250 from: Elsevier; WebMD<br/>Served as a speaker for various universities, dermatology societies, and dermatology departments.

Additional Contributors

Timothy McCalmont, MD Director, UCSF Dermatopathology Service, Professor of Clinical Pathology and Dermatology, Departments of Pathology and Dermatology, University of California at San Francisco; Editor-in-Chief, Journal of Cutaneous Pathology

Timothy McCalmont, MD is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha, American Medical Association, American Society of Dermatopathology, California Medical Association, College of American Pathologists, United States and Canadian Academy of Pathology

Disclosure: Received consulting fee from Apsara for independent contractor.

Acknowledgements

Thomas Habif, MD Adjunct Professor, Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Dermatology, Dartmouth Medical School

Thomas Habif, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology and New Hampshire Medical Society

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Erythema Nodosum Treatment & Management

Medical Care

Consultations

Activity

Prevention

Long-Term Monitoring

References

Tables

Contributor Information and Disclosures

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