Erythema nodosum

Overview

Erythema nodosum often follows strep throat, pregnancy, some medicines, or inflammatory bowel disease.

The bumps turn bruise-colored as they heal.

Symptoms

Common signs:

• Tender red bumps on shins
• Tender red lumps on the shins

Less common

• Fever
• Joint aches

Look up a symptom: Tender red lumps on the shins

When to get medical care

Causes

Reaction.

Does it spread or run in families?

• It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Diagnosis

A clinician asks about your symptoms and may order tests.

The exam

A physical exam.

Tests

Tests, if needed:

• Tests for cause:

Treatment

Treatment depends on the cause and how severe it is.

Self-care

• Rest legs
• Raise your legs
• Use pain relievers
• Rest and raise legs

Prevention

To lower your risk or prevent problems:

• Treat the cause

Which doctor treats this

• Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
• They may send you to a dermatologist (skin doctor).

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

• Women 20 to 40: Most common.
• Women 20 to 45: Most common.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
• Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
• Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
• Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Usually fades in 3 to 6 weeks.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

What to bring

• A list of your medicines and supplements
• Notes on when symptoms started and what makes them better or worse

Questions to ask

• What's causing this?
• What treatment do you recommend?
• What caused it?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Erythema nodosum