Erythema nodosum

Nodular erythema is an inflammatory process of the skin and subcutaneous vessels, which has an allergic origin, and manifests itself in the form of the formation of spherical, painful, dense nodes with different sizes. As a rule, the process affects symmetrical areas of the lower extremities.

Erythema nodosum can manifest at any age of a person, but is most often diagnosed in patients aged 20 to 30 years. In women of reproductive age, this disease is more common than in men.

CAUSES OF NODULAR ERYTHEMA
The main reason provoking the development of this disease is the presence of infectious diseases in humans:

trichophytosis;
tuberculosis;
rheumatoid arthritis;
cystitis;
otitis media;
acute pharyngitis;
scarlet fever;
tonsillitis.
Taking certain medications can cause nodular erythema.

Some diseases that are non-infectious in nature can also provoke erythema nodosum:

pregnancy;
oncological diseases;
intestinal diseases;
ulcerative colitis;
Behcet’s disease;
genetic predisposition;
sinusitis;
tonsillitis;
bronchial asthma;
atopic dermatitis;
atherosclerosis;
varicose veins.
SYMPTOMS OF ERYTHEMA NODOSUM
The main manifestation of this disease is the formation of dense nodes that are located in the subcutaneous tissue or in the lower parts of the dermis. The size of these formations can reach 5 cm. The skin above the nodes has a red color, and the nodes themselves stand out somewhat above the surface of the skin. They do not have clear boundaries of education, since the surrounding tissues are edematous. When certain sizes are reached, the nodes stop increasing, but at the same time they have a different level of pain syndrome.

After some time, the color of the skin above the formations changes, acquiring a bluish hue similar to a bruise.

Nodes are localized, as a rule, on the front surface of the lower leg, symmetrically, although this principle is not always observed. Nodular erythema can manifest in those places where subcutaneous fat is located (forearms, buttocks, calves, thighs).

The disease is characterized by an acute onset, with joint pain, chills, anorexia, fever, fever, swelling in the joints of the hands and feet.

DIAGNOSIS OF NODULAR ERYTHEMA
In addition to physical examination of the patient, additionally prescribed:

general blood test;
bacposev from the nasopharynx to determine the presence of streptococcal infection;
blood test for rheumatoid factor;
bakposev kala;
tuberculin diagnostics;
biopsy of nodular formations;
After carrying out the necessary diagnostic tests, a consultation of a phlebologist, vascular surgeon, otolaryngologist, infectious disease specialist and pulmonologist is required.

TREATMENT OF ERYTHEMA NODOSUM
Effective treatment requires desensitizing therapy, systemic antibiotic therapy, and the elimination of chronic foci of infection. To stop inflammatory phenomena and relieve pain, anti-inflammatory nonsteroidal drugs are used.

As a local treatment, corticosteroid and anti-inflammatory ointments are used, which are applied directly to inflamed joints.

To accelerate treatment, physiotherapeutic methods of treatment are prescribed: phonophoresis in the area of affected joints or inflamed nodes, laser therapy, magnetotherapy, UFO.

The disease responds well to treatment, but difficulties may arise with the development of nodular erythema during pregnancy, since during this period many medications are contraindicated for a woman.

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