User:Mr. Ibrahem/Erythema nodosum

Erythema nodosum (EN), is an inflammatory condition that involves fat cells under the skin. The main symptom is tender red nodules or lumps within the skin of both shins. These lumps are generally 1 to 10 cm in width. Other symptoms may include joint pain and a slight fever. Scarring or skin breakdown does not occur.

The cause is frequently unclear. Occasionally it may occur due to a variety of causes including strep throat, tuberculosis, inflammatory bowel disease, cancer, sarcoidosis, and certain medications. The underlying mechanism involves a hypersensitivity reaction to an antigen. Diagnosis can often be made based on symptoms and examination, though it may be confirmed by biopsy in cases that are unclear. It may appear similar to insect bites, vasculitis, scleroderma, Weber-Christian disease, pancreatitis associated fat necrosis, necrobiosis lipoidica, and subcutaneous granuloma.

Treatment generally is supportive care including rest and the use of NSAIDs. Underlying conditions may need to be addressed. Each lesion may last for two weeks with an attack lasting for up to six weeks. About 1 in 20,000 to 100,000 people are affected. Females are affected six time more frequently than males. It is most common in the 20 to 40 year age group. It was first described in English in 1807 by Robert Willan.