Erythema Nodosm Nodules: Subcutaneous Fat Complication

Lumps, or nodules, under the skin can be quite painful. For many individuals, the screening by a health professional often reveals the nodules are benign but can be removed for cosmetic purposes and pain management control.

For individuals who suffer from nodules attributed to erythema nodosm, the nodule development affects the fatty tissue lying just beneath the skin. Commonly with first appearance in the lower extremities, individuals who suffer from erythema nodosm nodules often experience development of this complication in response to other health issues that arose first.

In many cases, the development of erythema nodosm nodules is attributed to a primary health complication such as strep infection, inflammatory bowel or even hormonal changes. In the case of pediatric onset, the strep infection is the most likely cause and origin.

When erythema nodosm nodules develop, the complication usually continues to manifest, in various extremities, over a two week period. Following the progressive growth over two weeks, many erythema nodosm nodules will slowly deteriorate and disappear in the two months following growth.

Treating the nodules that develop from erythema nodosm is generally conservative. Since most nodules are limited in pain to only the area where the nodule is present, with many spontaneously healing over two months, most physicians will opt to take a conservative 'watch and see' approach to care. When pain becomes significant, the use of NSAIDs or other anti-inflammatory medications may be appropriate.

Far greater than treating the nodule itself is the need to diagnose and treat the condition which prompted the development of erythema nodosm. Because most individuals who suffer from this complication are also suffering from a bacterial or viral infection, the use of oral steroids is commonly considered. With proper management of the underlying disease, many cases of erythema nodosm resolved rather quickly. If, however, the nodules continue to produce pain and cause complications, biopsy and removal may be considered by a dermatologist.