Erythema Nodosum:
Information for adults

After diagnosing you with erythema nodosum, your physician will attempt to identify a possible cause, such as medication, infection, or medical condition. The doctor may order diagnostic tests such as blood work, chest X-ray, or throat culture. If an underlying cause is identified, then the physician will treat it appropriately (for example, by discontinuing a medication, prescribing antibiotics for an infection, or treating a health problem).

Once those investigations and treatments are under way, your health care provider may try the following measures to make you more comfortable:

• Restriction of physical activity or bed rest
• Anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen or aspirin
• Potassium iodide
• Steroids (either taken in pill form or injected directly into the lesions)