What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Sarcoidosis-Associated Erythema Nodosum

What is Erythema Nodosum due to Sarcoidosis? (Definition/Background Information)

• Erythema nodosum is a skin condition that causes painful red subcutaneous nodules. It may be caused by numerous factors including certain medications, infectious diseases, pregnancy, inflammatory bowel disease, blood cancer, and many other disorders
• Erythema Nodosum due to Sarcoidosis occurs against a background of sarcoidosis, a systemic disease that can affect several parts of the body. It leads to the growth of small collection of inflammatory cells. It most commonly affects the lungs, skin, eyes, and lymph nodes
• The nodules in Erythema Nodosum due to Sarcoidosis may occur on the legs and arms. The signs and symptoms of sarcoidosis may include tiredness, persistent cough, rashes on the skin, and joint pain
• Adequate treatment of the underlying condition can help resolve Erythema Nodosum due to Sarcoidosis. With appropriate treatment of sarcoidosis, the prognosis of erythema nodosum is good in a majority of individuals

Who gets Erythema Nodosum due to Sarcoidosis? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Erythema Nodosum due to Sarcoidosis may occur at any age. It is seen in both children and adults
• Both males and females are affected, although sarcoidosis is more prevalent in females
• It can affect individuals of any ethnicity, race or region. Some ethnicities and geographical regions show a higher incidence of sarcoidosis

What are the Risk Factors for Erythema Nodosum due to Sarcoidosis? (Predisposing Factors)

• Individuals with sarcoidosis are at an increased risk for developing Sarcoidosis-Associated Erythema Nodosum

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases one’s chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Erythema Nodosum due to Sarcoidosis? (Etiology)

• Research scientists believe that Erythema Nodosum due to Sarcoidosis is caused by an immunological response of the body to sarcoidosis. The nodules form on skin as a reaction to the underlying condition
• Currently, there are no known causes for sarcoidosis. It is reported that the condition may be caused by abnormalities in immune response to a variety of stimuli
• This may include certain bacterial infections, exposure to environmental toxins, and genetic factors

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Erythema Nodosum due to Sarcoidosis?

The signs and symptoms of Erythema Nodosum due to Sarcoidosis may include:

• Presence of nodules beneath the skin
• They begin as flat, firm and red lumps measuring up to an inch on the body
• After a few days, the nodules turn purple; weeks later, they become flat and brownish patches
• The symptoms of sarcoidosis may include fatigue, fever, weight loss, and joint pain, etc. it also depends on the specific body system affected
• The nodules may be present on any part of the body, especially on the legs, thighs, and buttocks

How is Erythema Nodosum due to Sarcoidosis Diagnosed?

The following procedures may be used to diagnose Erythema Nodosum due to Sarcoidosis:

• Thorough evaluation of the individual’s medical history and a complete physical examination
• Various blood tests to diagnose sarcoidosis
• Tissue cultures to rule-out infectious diseases
• Imaging studies that include X-rays, CT and MRI scans
• Tissue biopsy, if necessary: A skin/tissue biopsy is performed and sent to a laboratory for a pathological examination. The pathologist examines the biopsy under a microscope. After putting together clinical findings, special studies on tissues (if needed) and with microscope findings, the pathologist arrives at a definitive diagnosis

It is important to note that sarcoidosis is a diagnosis of exclusion, meaning that the diagnosis is undertaken by ruling out other conditions that have similar symptoms.

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Erythema Nodosum due to Sarcoidosis?

• Major complications associated with skin lesions of Erythema Nodosum due to Sarcoidosis are not reported
• However, complications are mainly observed due to the underlying sarcoidosis. Severe disease can involve several regions of the body, leading to hypertension, abnormal heart rhythms, vision loss, and neurological symptoms

How is Erythema Nodosum due to Sarcoidosis Treated?

The treatment options of Erythema Nodosum due to Sarcoidosis include treating the underlying sarcoidosis, which is undertaken through:

• Corticosteroid treatment
• Use of immunosuppressants
• Administration of anti-malarial medication
• Oxygen supplementation
• Symptomatic and supportive therapy, if needed

On treating the underlying condition, erythema nodosum skin lesions usually disappears. However, presently, there is no cure for sarcoidosis.

How can Erythema Nodosum due to Sarcoidosis be Prevented?

The prevention of Erythema Nodosum due to Sarcoidosis is linked to preventing the associated sarcoidosis. Currently, there are no definitive measures available to prevent the condition. However, the following steps are suggested:

• Undertaking early diagnosis and treatment of sarcoidosis
• Smoking cessation
• Limiting alcohol consumption
• Avoiding exposure to toxic fumes
• Taking pneumococcal vaccine and annual flu shots

Getting treatment for any underlying medical condition(s) that may decrease immunity in the individual.

What is the Prognosis of Erythema Nodosum due to Sarcoidosis? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

• The prognosis for Erythema Nodosum due to Sarcoidosis is usually good with prompt treatment of sarcoidosis
• However, the overall prognosis is dependent on the underlying sarcoidosis, the severity of the symptoms presented, and the body organs involved

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Erythema Nodosum due to Sarcoidosis:

• Cleaning the skin too hard with strong chemicals or soaps may aggravate the skin condition. Care must be taken avoid strong soaps and chemicals that could potentially worsen the condition
• The presence of dirt on the body is not a causative factor for the condition. However, it helps to be clean and hygienic, which may help the condition from getting worse