Erythema nodosum is a medical condition involving inflammation of the fatty layer of the skin. This causes reddish, painful and tender lumps which are usually seen in the front part of the legs below the knees. While this condition is usually self-limiting, some affected individuals may suffer from this condition for several years, with intermittent recurrences. This is an inflammatory process and may be associated with a dysfunctional immune system resulting from a reaction to medications.
Ayurvedic herbal treatment for erythema nodosum is aimed at treating the inflammation of the skin as well as treating any known cause for the condition. Ayurvedic herbal medicines which treat the blood tissue as well as which act on the skin and the subcutaneous layers are used in the treatment of erythema nodosum. Most of the herbal medicines useful in this condition have an anti- inflammatory effect and also remove toxins as well as impurities present in the blood. These medicines have a soothing action on the microcirculation in the skin, and serve to reduce inflammation and also carry away toxins and debris from the tender lumps seen in this condition. While the spontaneous resolution of this condition takes about 3 to 6 weeks, the chronic condition may last much longer, and therefore requires treatment for about 2 to 6 months.
It is important to rule out the causes for this condition and to stop any medications responsible for the inflammation seen in erythema nodosum. Ayurvedic herbal medicines which have an immunomodulatory action are also used in the treatment of this condition so as to boost the immune status of the affected individual. Since the nodes observed in erythema nodosum are very painful, local treatment can also be given in the form of ointments and pastes. These serve to reduce pain and inflammation and help in an early resolution of the lumps.
Ayurvedic herbal treatment can thus be successfully utilised in the management and treatment of erythema nodosum.
The writer, Dr. A. A. Mundewadi, is available as an online Ayurvedic Consultant at https://www.mundewadiayurvedicclinic.com and http://www.ayurvedaphysician.com
