| Disease | Injury | Nutrition | Poison |
| Special Topic | Surgery | Symptoms | Test |
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| Overview | Symptoms | Treatment | Prevention |
Erythema nodosum |
| Definition: |
| Erythema nodosum is an inflammatory disorder that is characterized by tender, red nodules under the skin.
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| Causes, incidence, and risk factors: |
The exact cause of erythema nodosum is unknown. Some cases may be associated with the following:
Other associated disorders include leukemia, sarcoidosis, rheumatic fever, and ulcerative colitis. Erythema nodosum is most common on the shins, but it may also occur on other areas of the body (buttocks, calves, ankles, thighs and upper extremities). The lesions begin as flat, but firm, hot red painful lumps (approximately an inch across). Within a few days they may become purplish then over several weeks fade to a brownish flat patch. Systemic findings may include fever and malaise. The condition is more common in women than men. |
Reviewed By: Glen H. Crawford, M.D., Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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