Erythema Nodosum
 

Hi everyone,I was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease three years ago and just last week found a swelling on my leg which the dr. diagnosed as an erythema nodosum.My doc has presribed Prednisolone for this which I don't want to take as I used steroids before and I gained a lot of weight which was impossible to shift.They also messed with my head which is another story.Anyway,I am trying some steroid cream for a short while to see if that helps before I resort to Pred.My ? is has anyone cured erythema nodosum in any way at all without oral steroids and has anyone found a way to prevent these swellings happening.
Thanks in advance.
JayJay2

Re: Erythema Nodosum
 

I've been diagnosed with the same. I'm currently going through my second flare up. The first was 2 years ago. As you may or may not know, there are multiple symptoms. The first flare up lasted approximately 2 months from beginning to end. My current episode started about 4 weeks ago and is quite severe. I have approximately 20 raised, tender areas covering my calves and feet. The most painful of which are on the edges and bottoms of my feet. I also have pretty severe muscle and joint pain in my lower legs as well as quite a bit of swelling in my ankles and feet. This can be a very painful ordeal to go through, but it does subside with time and the pain can generally be managed with acetaminophin. Originally my doctor suggested Aleve (or Naproxin) but I later discovered that can aggrevate ulcerative colitis which I also suffer from. When the pain was more severe than just Tylenol could handle my doctor was willing to give me something stronger. I have never taken anything else for it. My doctor and I did discuss prednozone, but I DO NOT want to take that unless it's a last result. In my opinion, and I know everyone's symptom's vary, I've found that pain management is most important and with the exception of how ugly it can look :) the rest of the symptoms will clear up on their own. Good Luck!

You might also want to check out this page, I've found it very helpful: http://www.emedicine.com/derm/topic138.htm

Re: Erythema Nodosum
 

Hi ANA,
Thank you for your reply.My leg became so sore that I could hardly walk so I reluctantly went to the pharmacist and got the pred.I have to take 25mg twice daily for 5 days and after day 2 there is already a great improvement.So it seems that Pred. is a necessary evil.I just pray that this is not going to become a regular occurence as my Crohn's was in remission for about 15 months and I was feeling better than I had ever felt so it was a big kick in the teeth.I do hope you find some relief from your EN soon.You must be in so much pain!
Again many thanks for your input....
JayJay2