Does oral corticosteroid treatment treat erythema nodosum?

Erythema nodosum causes tender, warm lumps beneath the skin, most often over the shins. It is a form of inflammation in deeper fatty tissue and may occur after an infection, with an inflammatory condition, or after a medicine exposure. The lumps usually change colour as they settle and do not behave like ordinary bruises.

Because the skin findings can signal another illness, treatment begins with a clinical history and examination. Oral corticosteroids may be considered when inflammation is severe, ongoing or especially disabling, once an infection and other reasons to avoid immune suppression have been considered.

Arrange a medical assessment for new painful shin lumps, particularly if you also have fever, cough, joint pain, bowel symptoms or a recent medicine change. Until reviewed, rest the legs, elevate them when comfortable, and use only pain relief that is suitable for your health history. If corticosteroids are prescribed, take them as directed and do not alter the course independently.

See [Oral Corticosteroid Treatment](/treatments/medical-dermatology/oral-corticosteroid-therapy/) for general information about this medicine.

Seek prompt care if pain is escalating, walking becomes difficult, the skin breaks down, or swelling affects one leg markedly. Urgent assessment is needed for chest pain, severe breathlessness, fainting, high fever, confusion or rapidly worsening illness. These symptoms need evaluation beyond treating the skin inflammation.

Ask what may have triggered the nodules, whether tests are needed for infection or inflammatory disease, what alternatives exist for pain and swelling, and what follow-up will show that the underlying problem has settled.