management
Last reviewed 03/2021
Investigations are aimed at trying to find an associated condition such as sarcoidosis, streptococcal infection, or viral causes.
The disease tends to be self-limited. Treatment should be aimed at relieving the underlying associated disease and supportive therapy, including bed rest and avoidance of contact irritation of affected areas (1).
- NSAIDS may be given for joint pain and painful skin nodules. Topical steroids are of no value
- oral potassium iodide prepared as a supersaturated solution has also be used as a therapeutic option (1). Prolonged use should be avoided due to the risk of hyperthyroidism (1)
- systemic steroids are not generally required, and should not be given 'blind' in case they exacerbate underlying infection (1)
The condition may take weeks to regress (generally resolves within six weeks) and there may be recurrent attacks.
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