Nodular Vasculitis

Question: Prednisone alternative for Erythema Induratum (Nodular Vasculitis)? I was recently diagnosed (pending a few final blood tests to rule out any other possible autoimmune disorder) Erythema Induratum, or Nodular Vasculitis of the Non-TB variety. My rheumatologist informed me that I will very likely be placed on prednisone for an uncertain amount of time. Has anyone else been diagnosed with this same ailment? Where you placed on prednisone? What were the results? Does anyone know of any alternatives? I did some googling and found that some patients have shown some success by taking a gold supplement rather than the prednisone, but the side effects sound almost as awful. Any guidance or anything would be greatly appreciated!

Answer: "Bed rest with systemic steroids may be indicated. Potassium iodide (Thyro Block) is sometimes taken orally, with high efficacy; however, this therapy requires caution when used in children or in patients with thyroid disease." This is from Emedicine. I don't know about using gold; is it an "alternative" treatment?

Question: Vasculitis skin ailment? Spordic inflamation of spots on both the feet for the last 4-5 years in the following progression: 1. First a red spot will appear. Later 2. Black mouth-head 3. The wound will open up 4. More spots start appearing 5. Will take months to cure. 6. No allopathic treatment is effective. 7. Only homeopathic medicines being taken since effective. It is terrible to suffer from this periodic eruptions. Can forward photos of affected areas of feet & ankles. Can also forward Skin Biopsy Report which described it as Nodular Vasculitis.

Answer: I would talk to your GP about the diagnosis for the following reasons: "Bazin disease (or "Nodular vasculitis") is a skin ulceration on the back of the calves. It was formerly thought to be a reaction to the tuberculum bacillus. It occurs mainly in women, but is very rare now. Principally, young women are affected. Presentation is with a symmetrical eruption of painful ulcerating nodules on the posterior aspect of the lower legs. The patient is often obese. Treatment is difficult. Weight reduction and avoidance of low temperature environments may be of benefit." Now none of these symptoms seem to match yours! From my limited research there are a number of other possibilities: Bacterial infection, Viral infection, Fungal infection or Parasitic infection. Psoriasis may even be a possibility.(Pustular psoriasis -on the feet: palmoplantar pustulosis ) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psoriasis http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psoriasis#T… A bacterial infection will respond to antibiotics -a smear of the affected area or pustule could be taken to identify the bacteria -probably common bacteria. A viral infection would require a blood test to identify it. A fungal infection can be treated with fungicide. Possible candidates for parasitic infection include scabies: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scabies -which is relatively easy to treat as it is caused by a burrowing mite. It would seem that some forms of nodular vasculitis are related to disease of the liver and other organs, so perhaps your GP should be checking your internal organs' functions? Hope this helps. I know that skin conditions can really lower your quality of life. Feel free to post any comments.