Erythema induratum is a chronic recurring disorder, usually involving the skin of the legs of young women, characterized by deeply situated nodosities and ulcerations. Patients suffering from erythema induratum often have a poor peripheral circulation, as evidenced by cold, blue hands, or a chilblain tendency.
Investigations carried out by various dermatologists at the beginning of the century established the tuberculous nature of this condition.
According to recent Medical Research Council publications, good results have been obtained in other tuberculous infections by means of streptomycin and isoniazid (isonicotinic acid hydrazide). It was decided to treat several cases of erythema induratum in this way.
METHOD OF TREATMENT
One gram of streptomycin was given daily for 30 days (except Sundays) by intramuscular injections, and on the same days 100 mg. of isoniazid was given morning and evening by mouth.
REPORT OF CASES
Ten cases of erythema induratum—all women between the ages of