| Home > Site Map > Conditions > E > Erythema nodosum |
| Erythema nodosum is a fairly uncommon, but distinctive, clinical syndrome. It consists of a reaction in the skin and deeper tissues that almost always occurs on the shins. Drugs that can cause erythema nodosum include penicillin (in all its forms), sulfa drugs, and oral contraceptives. The disease's association with oral contraceptives and sulfa, a drug component that is commonly used to treat urinary tract infections, may be why it is seen more frequently in women. Sarcoid, an inflammatory condition of unknown cause that can affect almost any organ, and inflammatory bowel disease (cause also unkown) may both also be associated with erythema nodosum. Chlamydia, tuberculosis, and other bacterial and fungal infections may also be associated with erythema nodosum, but fungal infections involving only the skin, such as athlete's foot, are not. Why some people develop these odd reactions to illness, drugs, or infections that many of us have or take, is completely unknown. Over a period of weeks, the nodules become less tender, turn purplish, and heal without scarring. Rarely, they recur periodically. Prognosis Since the erythema itself is not dangerous and heals without treatment, doctors will spend most of their time and effort trying to rule out an underlying cause. |
| Antibiotics |