Erschienen in:
29.09.2018 | Review Article
Erythema nodosum
verfasst von:
Alexander K. C. Leung, Kin Fon Leong, Joseph M. Lam
Erschienen in:
World Journal of Pediatrics
|
Ausgabe 6/2018
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Abstract
Background
Erythema nodosum can be associated with a number of systemic diseases. There is, however, a paucity of information in the pediatric literature on this condition. The purpose of this article is to familiarize pediatricians with the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of erythema nodosum.
Data sources
A PubMed search was completed in Clinical Queries using the key terms “erythema nodosum”.
Results
Clinically, erythema nodosum presents with a sudden onset of painful, erythematous, subcutaneous nodules mainly localized to the pretibial areas. Lesions are usually bilateral and symmetrical, ranging from 1 to 5 cm in diameter. Erythema nodosum may be associated with a variety of conditions such as infection, medications, sarcoidosis, pregnancy, inflammatory bowel disease, vaccination, autoimmune disease, malignancy, and miscellaneous causes. The condition is idiopathic in approximately 50% of cases. The diagnosis is mainly clinical with biopsy reserved for atypical cases. To evaluate for the underlying cause, some basic laboratory screening studies are worthwhile in most cases and include a complete blood cell count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate and/or C-reactive protein, throat swab culture, antistreptococcal O titers, and a chest radiograph. Other tests should be individualized, guided by the history and physical examination results. Most cases of erythema nodosum are self-limited and require no treatment. Bed rest and leg elevation are generally recommended to reduce the discomfort. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are the first-line treatment for pain management.
Conclusions
As erythema nodosum is often a cutaneous manifestation of a systemic disease, a thorough search should be performed to reveal the underlying cause.