Erythema elevatum diutinum: a review of presentation and treatment

• Published in: Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology Vol. 28; no. 12; pp. 1594 - 1602
• Main Authors: Momen, S.E., Jorizzo, J., Al-Niaimi, F.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Blackwell Publishing Ltd 01-12-2014
• Subjects: Diagnosis, Differential; Humans; Vasculitis, Leukocytoclastic, Cutaneous - diagnosis; Vasculitis, Leukocytoclastic, Cutaneous - drug therapy
• ISSN: 0926-9959; 1468-3083
• DOI: 10.1111/jdv.12566

Erythema elevatum diutinum (EED) is a rare, chronic and treatable skin condition. It has many histological mimics and is often associated with a variety of underlying systemic diseases, when these are present the management and prognosis dictates the course of the EED. This review aims to highlight the differential diagnosis, clinical manifestations of EED and the possible underlying systemic disease. It is important for clinicians to be aware that EED may predate underlying conditions and the presence of lesions may indicate underlying disease activity. In some cases one may need ‘search’ for underlying disease. Treatment of these lesions is notoriously difficult. Dapsone is used as the mainstay of treatment, however other options exist. We have highlighted different treatment options and suggested a treatment algorithm. In some cases, treatment may need to be targeted at underlying disease.