Is this erythema nodosum or lupus or cancer? (Pic included)

[chemmonkey]

Hi, I am a 29 year old female. One year ago, I moved from Ontario to Saskatoon in Canada. The air in saskatoon is extremely dry. I was diagnosed with ER (erythema nodosum) in Feb, 2013, when I found many red painful flat dots on both shins. But doctors couldn't identify any reason behind it.

Recently, I felt very fatigue and saw this thing on my leg again. It was a bit different from what I had in Feb: Before, multiple red painful patches appeared all at once;  This time, at the beginning the center of the patch was very red and painful and the surrouding seemed a little blue but normal skin colour; But now the surrouding became bruize-like purple, the center became light, it is still painful but less lumpy compared to before. I never read that the center of the node would be different in case of erythema nodosum, so that's why I thought it could be something different this time.

I am a bit anxious about the situation cuz it has bothered me since this Feb. I want to have an answer.

I am also worried it could be a manifestation of lupus or some malignant diseases.

Thank you for anyone giving an advice.


Angie

[chemmonkey]

hi, dr.

thank you for ur opinion. as i mentioned, my blood work is fine. so i do not have anemia stuff. when you say the reoccurance is rare, how rare it is. what can cauae it?  

Thank you,

Angie

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Since you had erythema nodosum recently it needs to be explored. Chronic (persistent) or recurrent erythema nodosum can occur in some people but this is rare. Other than that bruising due to Anemia and deficiency of vitamins C, K, B12, or folic acid and lyme’s disease also need to be ruled out.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.