Erythema nodosum- inflammation of the skin and underlying tissue (fat cells), resulting in the formation of red, painful nodules ranging in size from cherries to oranges. The disease can be a symptom of various diseases, but in about a third of cases the cause cannot be determined, and erythema nodosum is considered as an independent disease.
Skin rashes can have a very different appearance. At the same time, rashes of the same type can be either completely safe or indicate the presence of a serious illness that requires immediate medical attention and active treatment. That is why remote consultations are extremely difficult, in which the probability of error is very high.
The situation is somewhat different when erythema nodosum. This disease is quite easily recognized based on the description: red, painful nodes under the skin that usually disappear within 3-10 days. Recognize disease It’s not difficult, the problem is different: you need to understand whether the problem has some cause or arose on its own.
As a rule, the disease as an independent disease does not pose a serious threat. But it is extremely important to exclude other diseases that may be dangerous.
Symptoms of erythema nodosum
The skin lesions of erythema nodosum appear as red nodules or nodules (cherry to orange in size). They are painful, and even with a slight touch the pain usually intensifies. The nodules usually rise above the skin. The total number of nodules can reach 50 pieces.
The most common place for nodules to form is the front surface of the legs, knees and thighs. On the outer surface of the hands, face and neck, rashes are less common and are usually smaller in size.
At the beginning of the disease, the nodules have a bright red color, which subsequently changes to purple and then to brown of various shades (as a bruise fades).
Usually the rash lasts for 5-10 days. Then over the course of 3-6 weeks they gradually disappear.
The appearance of nodules is often preceded by a respiratory infection (1-2 weeks earlier). Sometimes the rashes are accompanied by fever, general malaise, pain in the joints (usually the knees) and inflammation of the eyes (conjunctivitis).
Causes of erythema nodosum
Erythema nodosum can be an independent disease. In this case, it is not possible to determine its cause. The disease may be preceded by an acute respiratory infection or medication, but eliminating these causes does not stop the formation of nodules.
However, another situation is also possible (by the way, it occurs twice as often) - erythema nodosum is only one of the symptoms of another disease.
Such reasons include the following.
- Taking certain medications (oral contraceptives, sulfonamides, iodides and bromides.
- Infectious diseases (tuberculosis, streptococcal infections, yersiniosis, etc.).
- Autoimmune diseases ( systemic lupus erythematosus , rheumatoid arthritis and etc.).
- Chronic inflammatory bowel diseases (ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, etc.).
- Tumor diseases (including blood).
- Sarcoidosis.
- Risk factors for erythema nodosum
The risk of developing erythema nodosum is increased in the presence of predisposing diseases. Also at increased risk are pregnant women, as well as women taking contraceptives.
Diagnosis of erythema nodosum
Based on questioning the patient and examining the rashes.
Additional research has two objectives:
- exclude the presence of another disease (which requires more active treatment);
- assess the activity of inflammation (erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein).
The amount of additional research can be quite significant. Thus, if tuberculosis is suspected, the Mantoux test, chest x-ray examinations, sputum cultures (if available), etc. may be needed. Special blood tests are often necessary to rule out infections. Specific approaches are also required in situations where autoimmune or tumor diseases are suspected.
Treatment of erythema nodosum
When erythema nodosum occurs for the first time, it is possible to independently use non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to relieve symptoms. It is also recommended to keep your legs elevated (if possible), use elastic bandages and stockings. Compresses can also be used to treat erythema nodosum. The rash usually remains red and painful for up to 10 days. If rashes reoccur, you should consult a doctor to clarify the cause of erythema nodosum and select adequate treatment.
In severe cases, with repeated episodes of rashes, the presence of accompanying symptoms (fever, joint pain, etc.), glucocorticoids (hormonal drugs) may be prescribed as treatment.
Erythema nodosum is a systemic connective tissue disease that affects the skin and subcutaneous fat. It appears on the skin as moderately dense nodules, the sizes of which vary from 0.5–5 cm or more in diameter. They are quite painful on palpation.
In 1/3 of patients, erythema nodosum begins to progress as an independent disease. In this case, we are talking about the progression of the primary form of pathology. But still, more often it develops against the background of a pathology already existing in the body.
Doctors call erythema nodosum one of the subforms. As it develops, local vascular damage occurs. Most often this is observed on the lower extremities. The pathology has no restrictions regarding gender and age. Both men and women and even children are affected. But it is worth noting the fact that for every 6 sick women there is only one sick man. This gives reason to assume that erythema nodosum still more often “attacks” the fair sex.
Causes
The main reasons for the progression of erythema nodosum in humans have not yet been precisely established. Scientists suggest that the hereditary factor plays an important role in the development of this pathology. They also note that in some clinical situations, erythema nodosum is a nonspecific immunoinflammatory syndrome. Infectious and non-infectious causes can provoke the manifestation of pathology.
Non-infectious causes:
- – a common cause contributing to the progression of erythema nodosum;
- Behcet's syndrome;
- inflammatory bowel diseases;
- pregnancy. Pregnant women often develop erythema nodosum on the lower extremities;
- taking certain groups of synthetic medications. These include hormonal contraception, antibiotics, iodides, salicylates, etc.;
- neoplasms of benign and malignant nature;
- vaccination.
Infectious factors:
- histoplasmosis;
- diseases that were caused by;
- Hepatitis B;
- cat scratch disease;
- psittacosis;
- trichophytosis and so on.
Scientists have not yet fully studied the mechanism of development of erythema nodosum. But there is an assumption that chemicals or infectious agents create an antigenic background in the human body. A healthy body will not feel the changes at all, but a genetically predisposed one will immediately react - a chain of biochemical reactions will start in it, during which specific antibodies will be formed.
Symptoms
In medicine, there are three main forms of erythema nodosum. They are divided depending on the characteristics of the course, the severity of symptoms, as well as how long ago the pathology occurred.
Acute erythema nodosum
The main symptom of acute erythema nodosum is the formation of pathological nodes on the lower extremities. As a rule, they are localized on the front surface of the legs, in the area of the ankle and knee joints. More rarely, formations form on the forearms and feet. The location of the nodules is symmetrical. The sizes of the formations vary from 0.5 to 5 cm. When palpated, it can be noted that they are dense. Painful when pressed. The nodes may rise slightly above the surface of the skin. The boundaries of the formations are unclear, since the surrounding tissues are edematous.
At first, the skin over the nodes is smooth and has a reddish-pink tint. As the pathology develops, it becomes bluish, and at the final stage – greenish-yellow. With erythema nodosum on the legs, one small nodule first forms, which begins to rapidly increase in size. Having reached its maximum, it stops growing. Pain syndrome can be observed not only during physical impact on the formation. Sometimes it occurs spontaneously. The pain can be either mild or severe.
After 3–6 weeks from the onset of pathology progression, the nodules gradually disappear. After this, no scars or other changes are noted on the skin. Slight pigmentation or flaking may occur. Itching is not typical. Relapses do not occur.
Additional symptoms:
- general weakness;
- temperature rise to 39 degrees;
- possible headaches;
- pain in joints and muscles of a volatile nature.
Migratory form
With this form of pathology, the symptoms are not pronounced. First, the patient begins to feel weak and unwell. Complains of pain in joints and muscles. Body temperature rises to 38 degrees, chills appear. Then erythema nodosum begins to appear on the legs. A single node appears on the anterolateral surface of the leg. It is dense and flat. It is limited from healthy tissues. The skin over the formation has a bluish-red tint.
As the pathology develops, the infiltrate acquires the ability to migrate, which is why a plaque is formed. Externally, it looks like a ring. There is a pale depression in the center, and the peripheral zone is colored red. Later, more nodules may form on the surface of the legs.
Chronic form
Chronic erythema nodosum affects mainly women over the age of 40 who have tumors of the pelvic organs, as well as chronic pathologies of an infectious nature. Symptoms of intoxication of the body may be completely absent or very mild. Pathological nodules are located in typical places - on the legs, buttocks, etc. But they are difficult to notice, since they do not rise above the surface of the skin and the color of the skin above them does not change. The pathological process may worsen from time to time and then the symptoms intensify. Most often this happens in the autumn-spring period.
Erythema nodosum in children
Most often, the disease affects children aged six years. It is worth noting that girls get sick more often than boys. The main reasons for the formation of pathological elements are infectious pathologies, allergic reactions and disturbances in the gastrointestinal tract.
Symptoms:
- in children, the first symptoms appear 5 days after the onset of the disease;
- the child is capricious and irritated;
- in children, symptoms of intoxication are pronounced: weakness, fever, headache, pain in the abdomen and joints;
- physical contact with the affected areas causes severe pain;
- Nodules that are hot to the touch form on the thighs, shins, or forearms. Their size does not exceed a walnut. The skin over the formations turns red;
- later, the color of the formations changes to brown, and then to bluish and yellowish-green.
If these symptoms are detected in children, you should immediately contact a pediatrician to conduct a thorough diagnosis and identify the main cause of the progression of the pathology. Children with this disease are treated only in inpatient settings.
Diagnostics
Diagnostics includes laboratory and instrumental examination methods:
- blood test for rheumatic tests;
- Ultrasound of the veins of the lower extremities;
- bacterial culture from the nasopharynx;
- tuberculin diagnostics;
- nodule biopsy;
- chest x-ray;
- bacterial culture of feces.
Treatment
Treatment of erythema nodosum should only be carried out by a highly qualified specialist. If the doctor was able to determine which disease provoked the development of the pathology, then first of all, it is necessary to begin treating it. If erythema nodosum has developed against the background of an infectious disease, then antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal drugs are prescribed.
For the primary form of pathology, the following drugs are prescribed:
- antihistamines;
- non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
- aminoquinoline drugs;
- corticosteroids.
For local treatment, it is recommended to use anti-inflammatory ointments (including hormonal ones) and make compresses. Physiotherapy also has a good effect in treating the disease. Laser therapy, phonophoresis, magnetic therapy, and ultraviolet radiation are prescribed.
As an additional therapy, you can use folk remedies, but only after agreeing with your doctor. Uncontrolled use may not only not help, but also aggravate the course of the disease.
Folk remedies for the treatment of erythema nodosum:
- arnica ointment;
- infusion of mountain arnica;
- tincture with red elderberry;
- baths with potassium permanganate.
(on the Internet you can find the name “erythema nodosum or erythema nodosum”) is an inflammatory disease characterized by damage to small vessels in the dermis and subcutaneous fat. Manifests itself in the form of dense painful nodes. The term “erythema nodosum” was introduced by the British scientist R. Willan. You can get erythema nodosum at any age, but young patients and women are more likely to be affected by this pathology. It has been observed that children suffer from this disease more severely.
Causes of erythema nodosum (nodosum) on the legs
The disease can occur independently (idiopathic erythema nodosum), but is often a concomitant syndrome accompanying any underlying disease. It occurs in the following diseases:
- tuberculosis
- sarcoidosis
- lymphogranulomatosis
- leukemia
- some sexually transmitted diseases
- streptococcal infections (streptoderma, tonsillitis, scarlet fever, etc.)
- fungal diseases (histoplasmosis, coccidioidomycosis)
- oncological diseases
- leprosy
- nonspecific ulcerative colitis
Sometimes erythema nodosum on the legs can appear as a reaction of the body to certain medications: sulfonamides, antibiotics, contraceptives, iodine and others.
The risk of erythema nodosum of the lower extremities may increase during pregnancy. Some role in the appearance of this pathology is played by hereditary predisposition.
The following individuals are often affected by the chronic course of the disease:
- having vascular diseases
- with foci of chronic infections (pyelonephritis, tonsillitis, sinusitis, etc.)
- with diseases of allergic origin
Is erythema nodosum contagious?
Erythema nodosum itself is not a contagious disease. However, if the cause of its appearance was, for example, an infection, then it can become dangerous to others. But it is not necessary that the infected person will also develop erythema nodosum of the lower extremities.
Symptoms
Depending on the nature of the course, the severity of the symptoms of erythema nodosum and the duration of its appearance, three types are distinguished. The symptoms of each type of pathology are slightly different.
Acute erythema nodosum
Painful, swollen, dense nodes without clearly defined boundaries appear on the surface of the feet, legs, sometimes thighs and, less commonly, forearms, reaching the size of a large walnut. They are located symmetrically on both limbs. The nodes rise slightly above healthy areas, the skin above them is bright red. Over time, the color changes: from purple-violet to yellowish-green, which resembles a “blooming bruise.” The nodes do not merge and never ulcerate.
They go away within three to six weeks. There are never any scars or traces of atrophy left at the site of their localization. There are no relapses of the disease.
Acute erythema nodosum is also accompanied by the following symptoms:
- general weakness
- temperature rise to 39 degrees
- muscle and joint pain
- leukocytosis
- increase in ESR
The acute form usually affects young women, children or adolescents.
Migratory type of erythema nodosum
Characterized by a subacute course. It begins with the appearance of a single node on the lower leg - flat, dense and delimited from other tissues. The skin over the node is bluish-red. Next, the node transforms into a ring-shaped plaque with a pale, sunken center. It is also possible that several small nodules may appear on both legs.
This form is accompanied by:
- low-grade fever (about 37.5 degrees, but for a long time)
- general deterioration of condition
- chills
- arthralgia
The duration of erythema nodosum can last up to several months.
Chronic type of erythema nodosum.
The course of the disease is chronic with spring-autumn seasonal exacerbations. The nodes are weakly expressed - they do not rise and do not change skin color, and can only be detected by palpation. As a rule, they are localized on the legs in their anterolateral part. Chronic erythema nodosum has a protracted course - some nodes resolve, others appear to replace them.
Typically, elderly and middle-aged women who have any inflammatory diseases, tumors or foci of chronic infections are susceptible to pathology.
Why is erythema nodosum of the lower extremities dangerous and its consequences?
The prognosis for erythema nodosum is generally favorable. The disease is not life-threatening and is highly treatable; relapses do not occur very often. There are no aesthetic problems either - the nodes pass without leaving any traces. However, it is worth remembering that this pathology is not always independent. If erythema nodosum is a symptom of some other, possibly more serious disease, then it is necessary to spend time on a thorough examination and correct diagnosis. Obviously, in this case, success will be largely determined by the effectiveness of treatment of the underlying disease. About treatment methods for erythema nodosum on the legs
Alexander Medvedev, head of the Center for the Treatment of Skin Diseases at the European Clinic “Siena-Med”, will talk about erythema nodosum and methods of treatment:
Erythema nodosum (synonym: erythema nodosum) is a syndrome based on allergic or granulomatous inflammation of the subcutaneous tissue. The disease belongs to the group of vasculitis. Erythema nodosum is a polyetiological form of deep vasculitis.
Erythema nodosum is an independent form of panniculitis, which is characterized by the formation of red or purple palpable subcutaneous nodes on the legs and sometimes in other areas. Often develops in the presence of systemic disease, especially streptococcal infections, sarcoidosis and tuberculosis.
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ICD-10 code
L52 Erythema nodosum
What causes erythema nodosum?
Erythema nodosum most often develops in women between 20 and 30 years of age, but can also occur at any age. The etiology is unknown, but a connection with other diseases is suspected: streptococcal infection (especially in children), sarcoidosis and tuberculosis. Other possible triggers are bacterial infections (Yersinia, Salmonella, mycoplasma, chlamydia, leprosy, lymphogranuloma venereum), fungal infections (coccidioidosis, blastomycosis, histoplasmosis) and viral infections (Epstein-Barr, hepatitis B); use of medications (sulfonamides, iodides, bromides, oral contraceptives); inflammatory bowel diseases; malignant neoplasms, pregnancy. 1/3 of cases are idiopathic.
The cause of erythema nodosum is primary tuberculosis, leprosy, yersiniosis, lymphogranuloma venereum and other infections. The occurrence of the disease after taking drugs containing the sulfonamide group and contraceptives has been described. In half of the patients, the cause of the disease cannot be identified. In the pathogenesis of the disease, a hyperergic reaction of the body to infectious agents and drugs is noted. Develops in many acute and chronic, mainly infectious, diseases (angina, viral, yersinia infections, tuberculosis, leprosy, rheumatism, sarcoidosis, etc.), drug intolerance (iodine, bromine, sulfonamides), some systemic lymphoproliferative diseases (leukemia, lymphogranulomatosis, etc.), malignant neoplasms of internal organs (hypernephroid cancer).
Pathomorphology of erythema nodosum
The vessels of the subcutaneous tissue are mainly affected - small arteries, arterioles, venules and capillaries. In the dermis, the changes are less pronounced and appear only as small perivascular infiltrates. In fresh lesions, clusters of lymphocytes and varying amounts of neutrophil granules appear between the lobules of fat cells. In places one can see more massive infiltrates of a lymphohistiocytic nature with an admixture of eosinophilic granulocytes. Capillaritis, destructive-proliferative arteriolitis and venulitis are noted. In larger vessels, along with dystrophic changes in the endothelium, infiltration by inflammatory elements is found, and therefore some authors believe that vasculitis with primary changes in the vessels is the basis of skin damage in this disease. In old elements, neutrophilic granulocytes are usually absent; granulation changes with the presence of foreign body cells predominate. Characteristic of this disease is the presence of small histiocytic nodules located radially around the central fissure. Sometimes these nodules are permeated with neutrophilic granulocytes.
The histogenesis of erythema nodosum is poorly understood. Despite the undoubted association of the disease with a wide variety of infectious, inflammatory and neoplastic processes, in many cases it is not possible to identify the etiological factor. In some patients, circulating immune complexes and increased levels of IgG, IgM and the C3 component of complement are found in the blood.
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Histopathology
Histologically, the substrate of erythema nodosum is a perivascular infiltrate consisting of lymphocytes, neutrophils, a large number of histiocytes, endothelial proliferation of the saphenous veins, capillary arterioles, swelling of the dermis due to increased permeability of the vascular membrane, acute dermohypodermatitis nodosum.
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Erythema nodosum is characterized by the formation of erythematous soft plaques and nodules, which is accompanied by fever, general malaise and arthralgia.
Erythema nodosum type rashes are one of the main manifestations of Sweet's syndrome (acute febrile neutrophilic dermatosis), characterized, in addition, by high fever, neutrophilic leukocytosis, arthralgia, the presence of other polymorphic rashes (vesiculopustular, bullous, such as erythema multiforme exudative, erythematous, plaque, ulcerative), located mainly on the face, neck, extremities, in the development of which immunocomplex vasculitis is considered important. There are acute and chronic erythema nodosum. Acute erythema nodosum usually occurs against the background of fever, malaise, and is manifested by rapidly developing, often multiple, rather large dermohypodermal nodules of oval outline, hemispherical in shape, slightly raised above the surrounding skin, painful on palpation. Their boundaries are unclear. The predominant localization is the anterior surface of the legs, knee and ankle joints; the rashes can be widespread. The skin over the nodes is first bright pink, then the color becomes bluish. A characteristic change in color over several days is similar to the “blooming” of a bruise - from bright red to yellow-green. Resorption of nodes occurs within 2-3 weeks, less often later; relapses are possible.
The acute process is characterized by nodular, dense, painful on palpation foci of a hemispherical or flattened shape. Rashes often appear in waves, localized symmetrically on the extensor surfaces of the legs, less often on the thighs, buttocks, and forearms. A few days after the appearance, the lesions begin to regress with a characteristic change from pinkish-livid-red color to liquid-brownish and greenish-yellow, like a “bruise bloom.” Evolution of an element - 1-2 weeks. The nodes do not merge with each other and do not ulcerate. An outbreak of rashes is usually observed in spring and autumn. They are accompanied by general symptoms: fever, chills, joint pain. Erythema nodosum can become chronically migratory (erythema nodosum migrans of Böfverstedt).
Skin rashes can be quite varied in appearance. Some of them are harmless. Others signal a serious pathology in the body.
One of the easily recognized ailments is erythema nodosum on the legs. Is this rash harmless or is it fraught with a serious pathology? The answer to this question lies in the causes of the disease.
General information
Erythema nodosum (photos demonstrating the visual manifestation of the disease are below) is also adipose tissue. As a result, red nodules form on the surface. Their size can vary from the diameter of a cherry to the corresponding parameters of an orange. This phenomenon can be a symptom of various ailments. But often the true nature of the disease cannot be determined. Therefore, erythema nodosum on the legs is considered in most cases as an independent disease.
Characteristics of the disease
The rashes on the surface of the skin are red nodules. They are quite painful. Even a slight touch is fraught with increased unpleasant sensations. The photo clearly demonstrates how erythema nodosum manifests itself. As a rule, the rashes are slightly raised above the surface of the skin.
The nodules are localized mainly on the front surface of the legs, knees, and thighs. Very rarely, rashes can occur on the hands, face or neck.
The initial stage is characterized by bright red rashes. The further course of the disease is characterized by a change in the shade of the neoplasms. The nodules acquire a purple color, which subsequently changes to brown.
As a rule, rashes remain on the surface of the skin for 5 to 10 days. Then, over the course of 3-6 weeks, the nodules gradually disappear.
Causes of the disease
As noted above, the source of the disease cannot always be accurately determined. The main reasons why erythema nodosum occurs on the legs (for photos of characteristic manifestations, see the article) include tuberculosis intoxication and
Sometimes the disease is the initial symptom characteristic of the following diseases:
- fungal or bacterial infection;
- tuberculosis;
- inflammatory bowel processes;
- syphilis;
- cancer (extremely rare);
- sarcoidosis;
- Behçet's disease.
Often the disease develops as a result of a reaction to the following groups of drugs:
- antibiotics;
- sulfones;
- sulfonamides;
- oral contraceptives.
Several factors are known to contribute to the development of the disease. These include:
- prolonged exposure to cold on the body;
- disruptions in the functioning of the endocrine system;
- hypovitaminosis and P);
- congestion in the limbs.
Symptoms
The most characteristic sign of the disease are nodules. Initially, these seals are hard, flat, and hot to the touch. Erythema nodosum is sometimes accompanied by other symptoms. Symptoms may include the following:
- general malaise;
- redness;
- joint pain;
- swelling of the legs;
- skin irritation.
Forms
There are two types of this disease:
- Acute erythema nodosum. This form is often accompanied by a strong increase in temperature. It is characterized by pain in the joints and muscles. Such rashes are characteristic of a disease that manifests itself in childhood. Sometimes the occurrence of an illness is the body’s reaction to tuberculosis.
- Chronic This is a migratory form. It has a long-term subacute course with frequent relapses. The nodes have somewhat blurred boundaries. This form occurs mainly in elderly and middle-aged women who have vascular or allergic diseases. Another prerequisite for the development of the disease is the presence of a chronic infection in the body.
Features of the disease in children
The disease is more common in girls over the age of six. Rashes on the surface of the skin usually occur in cold weather. Symptoms of the disease appear on the sixth day.
Erythema nodosum in children is characterized by general malaise and moodiness. There is pain in the joints and in the abdominal area. Hot, quite painful nodes appear on the body.
Often the disease is combined with damage to the joints. In this case, the latter swell, redness appears, and pain occurs during movement. Inflammation in the joints goes away after a few days, but the pain persists for some time.
Erythema nodosum on the legs is treated with anti-inflammatory drugs. Drugs such as Aspirin, Indomethacin, and Brufen are often prescribed. Local heparin ointment and ichthyol solution are applied to the affected areas. It is very important to notify the doctor about the child’s illness. It should be remembered that self-treatment of the disease is quite dangerous.
Features of treatment for pregnant women
The disease does not affect the fetus at all. However, erythema nodosum can be dangerous for a pregnant woman. The consequences of the disease sometimes manifest themselves in the form of heart complications.
If there are no exacerbations, the patient is prescribed local treatment. The affected areas are lubricated with Indovazin Ointment. The drug "Curantil" is taken internally. Paracetamol is prescribed in small doses. To reduce inflammatory processes, a minimum dosage of Aspirin is recommended. The treatment includes Deep Relief ointment. The drug "Diclofenac" is prescribed in injections.
An important condition for treatment during pregnancy is full compliance with the correct rest and work schedule. It is necessary to minimize the load on the lower limbs, but it cannot be completely eliminated, because the vessels of the limbs must always be in good shape.
Treatment
A patient who contacts a doctor with unpleasant symptoms will be prescribed an X-ray examination of the lungs. This analysis will make it possible to exclude sarcoidosis and tuberculosis. A smear is taken to check for streptococcus. To exclude various infections, various blood tests are performed.
How to treat erythema nodosum? Initially, you should get rid of negative thoughts and restore peace of mind. After all, they are the source of destruction of the entire organism. It is very important to eat right and lead a healthy lifestyle. It is recommended to cleanse the body of toxins. Particular attention should be paid to the intestines and liver. You can periodically fast or try one of the diets for weight loss. The most recommended are the following: vegetable, berry, buckwheat, kefir, fruit.
As a rule, to treat the disease, the doctor prescribes the following:
- antipyretic drugs;
- non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Nimesil, Indomethacin, Ibuprofen);
- antibiotics (if an infectious process is detected);
- vitamins C, P;
- hormones (in case of an allergic process);
- autohemotherapy;
- heparin ointment;
- plasmapheresis;
- compresses;
- wraps.
Treatment with folk remedies
Many amazing recipes can be learned from healers. Traditional medicine will suggest many ways to get rid of such a disease as erythema nodosum. Treatment with folk remedies is an auxiliary therapy. It should be combined with medication. In this case, the results will be much better.
Traditional recipes:
- Grind the arnica flowers. Pour boiling water (200 ml) into a thermos. Leave the infusion overnight. In the morning, the product should be strained. Throughout the day, the infusion is taken 1 tsp. at least five times.
- Choleretic agents have an excellent effect. They are made from berries and medicinal herbs. Melissa, lingonberry leaves, immortelle, birch, yarrow and mint, taken in equal parts, are brewed as follows: 1 tbsp. spoon of this collection per 0.5 liters of boiling water. About 15 minutes before meals, drink a third of a glass of medicinal infusion.
- To prepare an anti-allergenic remedy, you will need bittersweet nightshade, string, knotweed. All ingredients are taken in equal proportions. Mix the ingredients thoroughly. To make a decoction you will need 1 tsp. collection It is poured with one glass of boiling water. The solution should be kept on low heat for two minutes. The product should be infused for an hour. The healing decoction is consumed three times a day. It is advisable to use it before meals.
- To prepare an effective tincture, you will need red elderberries. Ten grams of this component are poured with vodka. The latter needs to take 0.5 liters. It is recommended to infuse the mixture for 40 days. After this period, the drug is ready. It should be taken once before bedtime. The dosage is calculated based on the patient's weight. A patient with a body weight not exceeding 70 kg should take 20 drops of the drug. If the weight exceeds the specified one, it is recommended to increase the dose to 30 drops. It is recommended to eat this tincture. For such purposes, black bread grated with garlic or sprinkled with sunflower oil is suitable. The course of taking this drug should last 1 month. You should take a break for the next 30 days, and then resume the course of treatment again.
- Baths have proven themselves to be excellent in the fight against illness. For them you will need: willow and walnut bark, black elderberry and linden flowers, raspberry branches, nightshade grass. If it is not possible to find all the above components, it does not matter. Use the ingredients you can get. Grind them thoroughly. Pour boiling water (1 liter) over one tablespoon of the prepared mixture. Infuse the resulting mixture for 15 minutes, then pour the infusion into the bath. After stirring the water, lie down in it. The duration of the procedure is a quarter of an hour.
Disease prognosis
If the disease is classified as independent, then it does not pose a threat to the body. At the same time, it is very important to promptly treat all associated ailments, since they can be dangerous.
Another important nuance is timely treatment of the disease. Advanced erythema nodosum is fraught with quite unpleasant complications. The consequences can be quite unpleasant. One of them is the transition of the disease to a chronic form.
Conclusion
Erythema nodosum on the legs is a fairly common ailment. Its development, as a rule, is caused by sensitization of the vessels of the subcutaneous tissue. Often, pathology in the body is caused by infection or failure to take certain medications. Sometimes these rashes can act as symptoms of a completely different illness.