Tender, deep lesions are typically found on the legs in patients with erythema nodosum. In erythema nodosum, the areas of skin involved are often red and warm to touch. This image displays multiple red lesions on a leg, typical of erythema nodosum. This image displays the red, elevated areas of the skin on the lower legs, typical of erythema nodosum. This image displays a deep red inflammation typical of erythema nodosum. Erythema nodosum lesions are raised and tender when they begin (early lesions can be seen on the top part of this picture), but older lesions (seen on bottom part of the picture) flatten as they resolve. This image displays red, warm, tender lesions typical of erythema nodosum. This image displays multiple areas of erythema nodosum. This image displays the typical presentation of erythema nodosum on the legs with scattered, red, slightly elevated lesions.
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Erythema Nodosum  Information for adults

Picture of Erythema Nodosum: Tender, deep lesions are typically found on the legs in patients with erythema nodosum. Divider line
Tender, deep lesions are typically found on the legs in patients with erythema nodosum.
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Self-Care Guidelines
Although erythema nodosum may occur on its own, it is more often associated with a medication or with an underlying infection or medical condition. Therefore, it is important to see a physician in order to investigate any possible health problems. In the meantime, however, the tenderness of the skin lesions may be alleviated by the following:
  • Restriction of physical activity or bed rest
  • Elevation of the legs (if they are affected)
  • Cool or warm compresses
Generally, people with erythema nodosum do quite well, especially once any underlying medical condition has been treated.
When to Seek Medical Care
Since erythema nodosum can be associated with underlying infections or health problems, a physician should be consulted within a few days of noticing the skin lesions.
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Last Modified: 22 Dec 2008
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