Erythema Nodosum
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 4, 2025.
AMBULATORY CARE:
Erythema nodosum (EN)
is a type of inflammatory disease. EN causes tender, red bumps to form under your skin. The bumps may be hot to the touch. EN develops when the fat layer under your skin becomes inflamed. You may also see bruising. The bumps are most common on your thighs, knees, shins, ankles, or feet. The bumps may be light red at first, but then they darken and may look purple or brown. You may be tired or feel like you have the flu. You may have a fever, swollen lymph glands, or joint pain.
Contact your healthcare provider if:
- Your symptoms do not go away after 8 weeks.
- Your symptoms go away and then come back.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
Treatment for EN:
The tenderness usually lasts about 2 weeks. The red, lumpy areas usually go away on their own in 6 to 8 weeks. It is not common to have scars or open wounds with EN. Treatment may depend on what is causing your EN. For example, if you have a strep infection, you may be given antibiotics. Your medicine may be changed if it is causing your symptoms. You may also need any of the following:
- NSAIDs help decrease swelling and pain or fever. This medicine is available with or without a doctor's order. NSAIDs can cause stomach bleeding or kidney problems in certain people. If you take blood thinner medicine, always ask your healthcare provider if NSAIDs are safe for you. Always read the medicine label and follow directions.
- Prescription pain medicine may be given. Ask your healthcare provider how to take this medicine safely. Some prescription pain medicines contain acetaminophen. Do not take other medicines that contain acetaminophen without talking to your healthcare provider. Too much acetaminophen may cause liver damage. Prescription pain medicine may cause constipation. Ask your healthcare provider how to prevent or treat constipation.
- Potassium iodide may help relieve your symptoms.
- Steroids may be needed to decrease inflammation.
- Take your medicine as directed. Contact your healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell your provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.
Self-care:
- Rest as much as you can.
- Elevate the affected area above the level of your heart as often as you can. This will help decrease swelling and pain. Prop the area on pillows or blankets to keep it elevated comfortably.
- An elastic bandage or support stockings may help decrease pain when you are up and walking.
- Apply a warm or cold compress on the affected area to decrease pain and swelling.
Follow up with your doctor as directed:
Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
Further information
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