Sign
Erythema nodosum
A tender inflammatory eruption of subcutaneous nodules, classically on both shins.
- Found
- On the skin, classically as tender nodules over the anterior shins.
- Normal
- No tender inflammatory subcutaneous nodules.
- Abnormal
- Painful, warm, erythematous nodules, often bilateral and symmetric over the shins.
- Suggests
- A panniculitis that can occur with infections, inflammatory diseases including inflammatory bowel disease, medications, pregnancy, or other systemic conditions.
The lesions are inflammation in the subcutaneous fat and generally do not ulcerate. Their appearance can be a clue to a process beyond the skin, so the finding is interpreted alongside the patient’s other symptoms and history. In chronic-diarrhea notes, it is relevant because inflammatory bowel disease is one possible associated condition.