The septae of subcutaneous fat are involved in the hypersensitive reaction known as erythema nodosum, which results in a localized inflammatory infiltration. It primarily affects young, adult females and is a relatively common condition. Although up to 50% of cases are idiopathic, they may be linked to a number of medical conditions. A recognizable trigger is connected with erythema nodosum, which manifests as crops of tender, red nodules on the lower limbs over a period of a few weeks. A variety of antigens can trigger the illness, which seems to be an immunological reaction.

Introduction:

Skin inflammation, known as erythema nodosum (also known as EN) affects a specific area of the lipid layer of the skin. The erythema nodosum’s sensitive lumps, or nodules, range in size from one to five centimeters. The nodular swelling is brought on by irritation in the fat layer of the skin. In three to six weeks, erythema nodosum can self-limit and go away on its own. Depending on how it resolves, the skin’s fatty layer injury may leave only a brief bruised appearance or a persistent indentation.

Erythema nodosum can appear alone or in conjunction with other disorders. Medications (sulfa-related drugs, contraceptive pills, and estrogens), strep throat, Cat scratch disease, sarcoidosis, infectious mononucleosis, Behçet’s disease, fungal diseases, inflammatory bowel disorders (Crohn’s ailments and ulcerative colitis), normal pregnancy, and infectious mononucleosis are among the conditions that are linked to erythema nodosum.

Causes:

Erythema nodosum may result from the following factors:

• Allergies.
• Exercise in excess.
• Toxicity of mercury
• Infections, such as HSV and TB.
• Connective tissue conditions like lupus
• Inflammatory colitis.
• Medications, including sulfa-containing medicines and oral contraceptives.
• Throat infection.
• Crohn’s illness.
• Pregnancy.

Symptoms:

Although it may be connected to other kinds of erythema multiforme and is frequently categorized with erythema multiforme, clinically, this affliction is typically separate. Unna noted that the distinction between this disorder and erythema multiforme rests on the former’s lack of concentric widening, bullae production, and annular vesicle manifestation. With the exception of the pain in the legs and the tenderness over the tibia, where the eruption typically appears on the second or third day, although it may occasionally be located on other parts, the average attack starts with a moderate fever, articular pains, a headache, and malaise.

However, these symptoms do not last throughout the attack. The lesions arise in clusters of several symmetrical, spherical, or oval nodular swellings that can range in size from a piece of fruit to a hen’s egg and blend vaguely into the adjacent tissues, which may look a little edematous. The nodules are hard yet painful to reach, and for one or several days after they emerge, they are accompanied by an aching, burning, or stinging feeling. Later, they soften and seem to fluctuate somewhat, but they never rupture or suppurate. They start out blazing red or pink and white in color, turn dusky crimson, and then, after going through the typical bruising color changes of “black and blue,” they vanish within a week to ten days.

Diagnosis:

In most instances, the clinical conclusion of having erythema nodosum or not is made. However, an excision biopsy may be useful for people for whom the medical condition is unclear. A thorough history typically discloses prodromal symptoms, including sickness, fever, and arthralgia, that occur 1–3 weeks before the eruption. Multiple lesions may appear simultaneously and continue for several weeks. They typically occur bilaterally and are located on the extensor sides of the extremities. The lesions frequently involute and leave behind yellow or purple bruises rather than suppurating or becoming ulcers.

Homeopathic treatment for the disease:

One of the most widely used medical systems for the management of serious illnesses such as erythema nodosum is homeopathy. Using this common method, the choice of medications or treatments is based on the similarity of the diagnosis and symptoms. The patient can only regain full health in this way by getting rid of all of the symptoms of erythema nodosum. Homeopathy aims to address the root cause and individual vulnerability of erythema nodosum in addition to treating the erythema nodosum itself.

In terms of therapeutic medication, there are a number of treatments for erythema nodosum that can be chosen based on the cause, symptoms, and modality of the complaints. The symptoms of erythema nodosum can be annoying and even painful, although they frequently go away on their own. Natural cures might lessen the discomfort brought on by the ailment and hasten the healing process. Plant flavonoids are among the best treatments for erythema nodosum since they include a lot of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds. Green tea, citrus fruits, vegetables, rich grains like buckwheat, and green tea all contain flavonoids.  The illness can also be treated topically with a variety of herbal poultices. All of these topical therapy aids—chamomile, calendula, lemon balm, yarrow, and aloe vera gel—are efficient.

The acetic acid in vinegar made from apple cider promotes quicker healing and treats skin lesions, blisters, and rashes. Using essential oils as a treatment is common. And because the essential oil of tea tree has anti-inflammatory properties that help it eliminate harmful bacteria, it is one of the best treatments for erythema nodosum.  Green tea’s antibacterial and cooling properties aid in the speedy recovery of erythema nodosum symptoms. Aloe vera gel is well known for soothing the skin and healing damaged cells. Even the erythematous rash’s scars vanish.  Chamomile can treat the erythematous rash since it has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Additionally, the plant strengthens your immune system.

Precautions:

Although you can’t stop every instance of erythema nodosum, you can lessen your chance of experiencing a flare-up of symptoms by:

• Medications that induce erythema nodosum should be avoided.
• Treating or controlling any underlying health issues.
• Avoiding contact with those who have an infection, either bacterial or viral.