Erythema Nodosum

This condition features acutely tender nodules, marked erythema, and contusions that appear as a consequence of inflammation of subcutaneous fat. The eruption is associated with fever, polyarthralgia, and ankle synovitis and usually lasts 6 to 8 weeks.

Erythema nodosum can be triggered by infection and certain drugs (sulfonamides, penicillin, oral contraceptives, gold salts, NSAIDs, and aspirin). It is also associated with sarcoidosis, spondyloarthropathies, some vasculitides (hepatitis B and C, Behçet disease), cancer and, rarely, Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.¹ Patients with inflammatory bowel disease may have erythema nodosum in association with active disease, arthritis, and uveitis. Behçet disease can occur at any time during the course of erythema nodosum.¹