There are several scenarios for the outcome of erythema nodosum. Typically, these areas of nodular tenderness range in size from about a dime to a quarter and they may be tender and inflamed off and on for a period of weeks. They usually then resolve spontaneously, each one of the little areas of inflammation shrinking down and then becoming flat rather than raised and inflamed. They leave a bruised appearance. Then, they resolve completely on their own. Other lesions can sometimes pop up elsewhere. This may occur for periods of weeks to months, and then they eventually go away. However, chronic erythema nodosum that may last for years is another pattern. Symptoms and signs of Erythema Nodosum in TCM include:

1. Syndrome of Stagnation and Obstruction of Dampness and Heat
Main Symptoms: Sudden onset, subcutaneous nodes slightly above the skin surface on the lower limb, with redness, swelling, burning sensation, pain and hard nature, accompanied by fever, sore throat, joint pain, thirst, dry stool, brown urine, reddened tongue, whitish and greasy coating or yellow greasy coating, slippery and rapid pulse.

2. Qi Stagnation and Blood Stasis Syndrome
Main Symptoms: Repeated seizure of nodes in dark red or purple red color, spontaneous pricking pain, purple tongue or with purple patches and spots, thin and whitish coating, wiry or hesitant pulse.