Erythema nodosum

Symptoms:

• fever
• general ill feeling (malaise)
• joint aches
• skin redness, inflammation, or irritation
• skin lesion:
  • nodule, may be multiple
  • painful
  • located on the anterior surface of the lower leg
  • occasionally located on the arms, trunk, or face
  • reddened
  • may feel warm to touch
  • not ulcerated

• swelling of the leg

Note: The red and inflamed skin symptoms may regress to a bruise-like appearance.

Signs and tests:

The diagnosis is primarily based on the appearance of the skin nodules. Biopsy of a nodule may show characteristic changes (septal panniculitis).