Diagnostic Essentials for Erythema Nodosum in Chinese medicine:
(1) Before the onset, there are often the general symptoms of fever, aversion to cold, sore throat, joint pain and lassitude.

(2) The skin lesions are present symmetrically, mostly on the extension aspect of the leg and also on the flexion aspect of the leg, thigh and forearm. The skin lesions are subcutaneous nodes in different size, usually in 1- 5 cm in diameter, slightly protruding above the skin surface, in number of several nodes to several dozens of nodes, manifested by edematous nature, fresh red color in the surface and burning sensation. When the skin lesions subside, the nodes become purple red, dark red and yellow brown color and also become soft in nature, but without rupture, often accompanied by puffiness in the leg.

(3) There are spontaneous pain and tenderness.

(4) The disease occurs suddenly, but the duration is limited, in about 4 - 8 weeks, also in several months occasionally. It often recurs during the periods in females or after fatigue.

(5) Erythrocyte sedimentation is quickened. Anti-streptolysin "O" test and serum γ-globulin are enhanced. Possibly, CIC is increased or OT intradermal test is positive.

In TCM, a disease or a symptom might be caused by one pathogenic factor, even two or three pathogenic factors. When diagnosing a disease or a symptom, TCM doctors must follow the principle of "Syndrome Dfferentiation", and then "Suit the Remedy to the Case". In order to gain a more definite and valuable diagnosis, it's important and necessary for the doctor to learn the detailed health information of the patient, including his/her disease duration, age, sex, height, weight, family history, urine, stool, diet, sleep, sweat, energy, mood (emotion), as well as the tongue conditions and the palm conditions, etc. If you would want our expert to create a TCM diagnosis, you're welcome to contact us.