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Leg ulcer? 12 weeks pregnant, picture included
Hello, I'm really desperate to know what this is on my leg.
It started when I was 8 weeks pregnant (now 16 weeks) as a small red lump, one on each leg but only one got worse, almost like an insect bite but it very quickly got bigger and then the skin began to break down. It felt hot to touch and itchy. Just 3 weeks after the small red bump appeared it was at the stage you see in the picture and became infected. I have had compression badges on for weeks now but the hole in my leg just kept getting bigger and bigger. I have most recently had a steroid injection directly into the center of the hole and it has started to improve slightly.
I have has several blood tests and a biopsy done with dermatology at the hospital but they are unable to tell me what this is or why I have it. My general doctor eventually said erythema nodosum but the dermatologist at the hospital did not agree.
I'd really appreciate some advice.
It started when I was 8 weeks pregnant (now 16 weeks) as a small red lump, one on each leg but only one got worse, almost like an insect bite but it very quickly got bigger and then the skin began to break down. It felt hot to touch and itchy. Just 3 weeks after the small red bump appeared it was at the stage you see in the picture and became infected. I have had compression badges on for weeks now but the hole in my leg just kept getting bigger and bigger. I have most recently had a steroid injection directly into the center of the hole and it has started to improve slightly.
I have has several blood tests and a biopsy done with dermatology at the hospital but they are unable to tell me what this is or why I have it. My general doctor eventually said erythema nodosum but the dermatologist at the hospital did not agree.
I'd really appreciate some advice.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hello,
I cannot confirm anything without examination but it can be an absecess, erythema nodosum or panniculitis. Panniculitis is inflammation of the fat under the skin. The diagnosis is established by a skin biopsy. Erythema nodosum results in reddish, painful, tender lumps most commonly located in the front of the legs below the knees.
Diagnosis is by physical examination and biopsy of the lesion.Other lab investigations like complete blood count, ESR,ASO titer, urinalysis, throat culture, intradermal tuberculin test, and chest x-ray may also be done.
I would recommend a physician/dermatologist’s evaluation. Treatment depends on the confirmation of diagnosis.
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.
I cannot confirm anything without examination but it can be an absecess, erythema nodosum or panniculitis. Panniculitis is inflammation of the fat under the skin. The diagnosis is established by a skin biopsy. Erythema nodosum results in reddish, painful, tender lumps most commonly located in the front of the legs below the knees.
Diagnosis is by physical examination and biopsy of the lesion.Other lab investigations like complete blood count, ESR,ASO titer, urinalysis, throat culture, intradermal tuberculin test, and chest x-ray may also be done.
I would recommend a physician/dermatologist’s evaluation. Treatment depends on the confirmation of diagnosis.
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.
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