All conditions
Pain & other conditions
Erythema Nodosum
Also known as: EN
Tender red lumps under the skin, usually on the shins, caused by inflammation of the fat layer.
Video lesson
What it is
Erythema nodosum is a reaction pattern rather than a disease on its own. Common triggers include strep throat, sarcoidosis, inflammatory bowel disease, pregnancy, certain medicines and some infections. Often no cause is found.
Symptoms
Painful, warm, red or purple nodules on the front of the legs that fade like a bruise over weeks. Fever, fatigue and ankle or knee pain can come with them.
How it’s diagnosed
Diagnosis is usually based on appearance. Tests look for the trigger: a throat swab or strep antibodies, a chest X-ray for sarcoidosis, and bowel or infection workup when symptoms point that way.
Treatment
Rest, leg elevation, compression and NSAIDs help most people. Treating the underlying cause matters most. Recurrent or stubborn cases may need colchicine or other medicines.
Living with it
Most episodes clear within 3 to 6 weeks without scarring. See your doctor if they recur so a hidden trigger can be found.
At a glance
Category
Pain & other conditions
Also known as
EN
Reviewed by Farhan Tahir, MD, FACR
Questions about your own care?
Book an in-person or telehealth consultation with Dr. Tahir.
For education only. Don’t start, stop or change a medicine without talking to your care team.