Erythema nodosum is an inflammatory skin condition characterized by raised red patches that usually appear on the shins, although other parts of the body may also be affected. Fever, joint pain and a general feeling of illness may also be present. Several things can cause this condition, including infection, photosensitivity or a reaction to medications, such as oral contraceptives and antibiotics. Even pregnancy can trigger this condition, which may explain why it's more common in women than men. Fortunately, erythema nodosum usually clears up within six weeks. Certain herbs may reduce inflammation and speed healing, but check with your doctor first to rule out an underlying infection or disease.
Treatment Goal
See your physician for tests to find out if there is an infection causing your symptoms, such as strep throat, mononucleosis or hepatitis. If your doctor determines that your condition is likely caused by sensitivity to sunlight or a medication, then avoidance of that trigger will be your primary goal. Otherwise, the treatment approach for erythema nodosum includes enhancing immune function and reducing inflammation.
Dietary Herbs
The University of Maryland Medical Center suggests increasing your dietary intake of plant flavonoids because of their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Candidates include catechins from green tea, hesperidin from citrus fruits and quercetin from fruits, vegetables and grains, especially buckwheat. According to Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, quercetin promotes anti-inflammatory effects by blocking the activity of lipoxygenase and cyclooxygenase, enzymes that regulate the production and release of chemicals responsible for causing inflammation, namely leukotrienes and histamine.
Topical Herbal Treatments
Several herbs possess compounds that check inflammation and promote healing when applied topically, including chamomile, calendula, lemon balm and yarrow. Aloe vera gel is also effective. According to Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, studies have shown that a polysaccharide in aloe called aloeride enhances the activity of NF-kappa B, a protein complex found in virtually every cell of the body that is involved in immune function and inflammation.
Homeopathy
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, certain homeopathic therapies may help to reduce symptoms associated with erythema nodosum. Rhus toxicodendron, for instance, may help if your condition causes you to experience difficulty sleeping at night. If you're not already familiar with this remedy, you may be surprised to learn that it comes from poison ivy. There is little danger of an adverse reaction, however, because homeopathic formulas consist of extremely minute dilutions of an herb's active compounds to stimulate the immune system the same way vaccinations do.
Safety Considerations
Just as there is no single herbal treatment for erythema nodosum, symptoms and underlying causes of this condition may vary from one person to another. In other words, don't try to guess the cause or cure. Since erythema nodosum can signal a serious infection or disease, see your physician for diagnostic screening and to discuss the feasibility of treating your condition with complementary therapies.
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