Erythema induratum
Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC
Erythema induratum | |
---|---|
![]() | |
Synonyms | Bazin's disease |
Pronounce | N/A |
Specialty | Dermatology |
Symptoms | Nodules on the lower legs, ulceration |
Complications | Scarring |
Onset | Typically in adolescence or adulthood |
Duration | Chronic |
Types | N/A |
Causes | Hypersensitivity reaction to Mycobacterium tuberculosis |
Risks | Tuberculosis exposure |
Diagnosis | Clinical diagnosis, biopsy |
Differential diagnosis | Erythema nodosum, vasculitis |
Prevention | N/A |
Treatment | Antitubercular therapy, corticosteroids |
Medication | N/A |
Prognosis | Variable, depends on underlying cause |
Frequency | Rare |
Deaths | N/A |
Erythema induratum is a skin condition characterized by the presence of nodular eruptions, primarily on the posterior aspect of the lower legs. It is considered a form of vasculitis and is closely associated with tuberculosis (TB). The condition is more commonly observed in women and often correlates with periods of cold weather. Erythema induratum is also referred to as Erythema induratum of Bazin, named after the French dermatologist Pierre-Antoine-Ernest Bazin who first described the condition in the mid-19th century.
Etiology
Erythema induratum is believed to be a hypersensitivity reaction to Mycobacterium tuberculosis or its antigens. However, not all cases are linked to tuberculosis, and the condition can also be idiopathic or associated with other bacterial infections. The pathogenesis involves a delayed hypersensitivity reaction leading to vasculitis and subsequent nodular lesions.
Clinical Presentation
Patients with erythema induratum typically present with tender, red to violaceous nodules on the calves. These nodules may ulcerate, leading to painful ulcers that heal slowly, often leaving atrophic scars. The condition is chronic and relapsing, with episodes more frequently occurring in colder months.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of erythema induratum is primarily clinical, supported by histopathological findings. A biopsy of the lesion typically shows lobular panniculitis with vasculitis. Special stains for Mycobacterium tuberculosis, such as Ziehl-Neelsen stain, may be used to identify mycobacterial DNA in tissue samples. Additional tests, including tuberculin skin test (Mantoux test) and interferon-gamma release assays (IGRAs), can help establish a link to tuberculosis.
Treatment
The management of erythema induratum involves addressing the underlying tuberculosis infection, if present, with appropriate antituberculous therapy. Non-tuberculous cases may be treated with a combination of anti-inflammatory agents, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and immunosuppressive medications like corticosteroids. Supportive measures, including compression stockings and avoidance of cold exposure, are also recommended.
Prognosis
With appropriate treatment, the prognosis for erythema induratum is generally good. Lesions typically resolve over weeks to months, although relapses are common. Long-term follow-up is necessary to monitor for recurrence and manage any underlying conditions.
Epidemiology
Erythema induratum is rare, with a higher prevalence in countries with endemic tuberculosis. It predominantly affects middle-aged women, although cases have been reported in all age groups and genders.
Transform your life with W8MD's budget GLP-1 injections from $125.
W8MD offers a medical weight loss program to lose weight in Philadelphia. Our physician-supervised medical weight loss provides:
- Most insurances accepted or discounted self-pay rates. We will obtain insurance prior authorizations if needed.
- Generic GLP1 weight loss injections from $125 for the starting dose.
- Also offer prescription weight loss medications including Phentermine, Qsymia, Diethylpropion, Contrave etc.
NYC weight loss doctor appointments
Start your NYC weight loss journey today at our NYC medical weight loss and Philadelphia medical weight loss clinics.
- Call 718-946-5500 to lose weight in NYC or for medical weight loss in Philadelphia 215-676-2334.
- Tags:NYC medical weight loss, Philadelphia lose weight Zepbound NYC, Budget GLP1 weight loss injections, Wegovy Philadelphia, Wegovy NYC, Philadelphia medical weight loss, Brookly weight loss and Wegovy NYC
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates, categories Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD