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Article
August 1993

Plantar Erythema Nodosum: Cases in Two Children

Author Affiliations

Departments of Pediatrics and Dermatology The Childrens Memorial Hospital of Northwestern University Medical School Chicago, IL 60614

Arch Dermatol. 1993;129(8):1064-1065. doi:10.1001/archderm.1993.01680290140030
Abstract

Erythematous nodules localized to the plantar surfaces in children occur occasionally, and the diagnosis of these lesions may be challenging to the clinician. Among the possible causes for isolated unilateral and bilateral blanchable erythematous nodules on the plantar surfaces in children are erythema nodosum, delayedpressure urticaria, cellulitis, and inflamed epidermoid cysts.1-4 Hern and Schwayder1 recently reported the first documented case of erythema nodosum localized to the plantar surfaces.1 We describe two additional children with isolated plantar erythema nodosum.

Report of a Case 

Case 1.  Red, painful nodules developed in a 6-year-old boy 2 weeks after an upper respiratory tract infection. No cough, sore throat, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea was present. No medications had been administered. Findings from his physical examination revealed six tender erythematous 1-cm nodules on the distal instep of both feet (Figure 1). Otherwise, the findings were unremarkable. Histopathologic examination of lesional tissue revealed

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