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Erythema nodosum
System: Skin & Nail Signs · All skin & nail signs
What it is — and how it is elicited
Painful, tender, red-purple lumps under the skin of the shins that evolve like bruises.
What a positive finding suggests
Associated with inflammation of the fat under the skin, triggered by infections (such as strep throat), sarcoidosis, inflammatory bowel disease, pregnancy or certain medicines.
Related signs — Skin & Nail Signs
Browse the E section of the A–Z list or return to the Clinical Signs hub.
Please note: This page is an educational reference about clinical examination signs. A clinical sign supports — and never replaces — a full clinical evaluation, examination and appropriate testing. A sign being present does not by itself prove a diagnosis, and an absent sign does not rule one out. If you have symptoms that worry you, see a health professional.