National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center, a program of the National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences

Erythema elevatum diutinum



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Erythema elevatum diutinum (EED) is a disorder of the skin associated with small blood vessel inflammation (vasculitis). Symptoms include red, purple, brown or yellow bumps of different sizes that grow on or just below the skin. These growths are located mainly on the elbows, knees, ankles, hands, and fingers. People with EED may also have joint pain, but few other symptoms. EED symptoms begin in adulthood and can last for many years. Many cases get better on their own, but this may take many years. The cause of EED is unknown. Diagnosis is made based on the symptoms and a skin biopsy to look at the skin growths. Treatment includes antibiotics and other medications.[1][2] 
Last updated: 6/1/2020

The following list includes the most common signs and symptoms in people with erythema elevatum diutinum (EED). These features may be different from person to person. Some people may have more symptoms than others and symptoms can range from mild to severe. This list does not include every symptom or feature that has been described in this condition.

Symptoms may include:[1][3]
  • Yellow, purple, red and brown bumps on the skin (papulesnodules)
  • Red, itchy patches of skin (plaques)
  • Pain or burning 
  • Joint pain (arthralgia)
Symptoms usually begin between ages 40 and 60. Skin changes most often start on the knees, elbows, hands or fingers, and then move to the trunk. The skin changes may increase in size and number over many years. EED can last for several decades and then symptoms start to improve. Recovery is slow and may take 5 to 10 years.[2]
Last updated: 6/1/2020

This table lists symptoms that people with this disease may have. For most diseases, symptoms will vary from person to person. People with the same disease may not have all the symptoms listed. This information comes from a database called the Human Phenotype Ontology (HPO) . The HPO collects information on symptoms that have been described in medical resources. The HPO is updated regularly. Use the HPO ID to access more in-depth information about a symptom.

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Medical Terms Other Names
Learn More:
HPO ID
80%-99% of people have these symptoms
Arthralgia
Joint pain
0002829
Skin rash 0000988
Vasculitis in the skin 0200029
30%-79% of people have these symptoms
Abnormal blistering of the skin
Blistering, generalized
Blisters
[ more ]
0008066
Increased circulating antibody level 0010702
Skin vesicle 0200037
5%-29% of people have these symptoms
Myalgia
Muscle ache
Muscle pain
[ more ]
0003326
Skin nodule 0200036
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Last updated: 7/1/2020

The cause of erythema elevatum diutinum is unknown. It has been associated with autoimmune diseases, frequent infections, and blood diseases.[1][2][3]
Last updated: 6/1/2020

Treatment of erythema elevatum diutinum is based on managing the symptoms. Medications such as anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics, and other drugs that fight infections. The skin growths may recur if medication is stopped. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the skin growths.[1][2][4]
Last updated: 6/1/2020

Erythema elevatum diutinum is very rare. Only a few hundred cases have been reported in the literature.[2]
Last updated: 6/1/2020

If you need medical advice, you can look for doctors or other healthcare professionals who have experience with this disease. You may find these specialists through advocacy organizations, clinical trials, or articles published in medical journals. You may also want to contact a university or tertiary medical center in your area, because these centers tend to see more complex cases and have the latest technology and treatments.

If you can’t find a specialist in your local area, try contacting national or international specialists. They may be able to refer you to someone they know through conferences or research efforts. Some specialists may be willing to consult with you or your local doctors over the phone or by email if you can't travel to them for care.

You can find more tips in our guide, How to Find a Disease Specialist. We also encourage you to explore the rest of this page to find resources that can help you find specialists.

Healthcare Resources

  • If your physician would like to review your case with a vasculitis specialist, the Vasculitis Foundation lists vasculitis medical consultants that may be able to speak with your healthcare provider. Click on the link above to learn more.

Related diseases are conditions that have similar signs and symptoms. A health care provider may consider these conditions in the table below when making a diagnosis. Please note that the table may not include all the possible conditions related to this disease.

Conditions with similar signs and symptoms from Orphanet
EED should be distinguished from other types of papular or nodular dermatoses, as well as fibrous tumors and xanthomas.
Visit the Orphanet disease page for more information.

Support and advocacy groups can help you connect with other patients and families, and they can provide valuable services. Many develop patient-centered information and are the driving force behind research for better treatments and possible cures. They can direct you to research, resources, and services. Many organizations also have experts who serve as medical advisors or provide lists of doctors/clinics. Visit the group’s website or contact them to learn about the services they offer. Inclusion on this list is not an endorsement by GARD.

Organizations Supporting this Disease


These resources provide more information about this condition or associated symptoms. The in-depth resources contain medical and scientific language that may be hard to understand. You may want to review these resources with a medical professional.

Where to Start

  • DermNet NZ is an online resource about skin diseases developed by the New Zealand Dermatological Society Incorporated. DermNet NZ provides information about this condition.

In-Depth Information

  • Medscape Reference provides information on this topic. You may need to register to view the medical textbook, but registration is free.
  • The Monarch Initiative brings together data about this condition from humans and other species to help physicians and biomedical researchers. Monarch’s tools are designed to make it easier to compare the signs and symptoms (phenotypes) of different diseases and discover common features. This initiative is a collaboration between several academic institutions across the world and is funded by the National Institutes of Health. Visit the website to explore the biology of this condition.
  • Orphanet is a European reference portal for information on rare diseases and orphan drugs. Access to this database is free of charge.
  • PubMed is a searchable database of medical literature and lists journal articles that discuss Erythema elevatum diutinum. Click on the link to view a sample search on this topic.

Questions sent to GARD may be posted here if the information could be helpful to others. We remove all identifying information when posting a question to protect your privacy. If you do not want your question posted, please let us know.


  1. Doktor V, Hadi A, Hadi A, Phelps R, Goodheart H. Erythema elevatum diutinum: a case report and review of literature. Int J Dermatol. 2019; 58(4):408-415. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30074624.
  2. Newburger J, Schmieder GJ. Erythema Elevatum Diutinum. StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing. Updated Dec 20, 2019; https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28846276.
  3. Mançano VS, Dinato SLME, Almeida JRP, Romiti N. Erythema elevatum diutinum. An Bras Dermatol. 2018; 93(4):614-615. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30066783.
  4. Bansal R, Aron J, Rajnish I. Erythema Elevatum Diutinum. Am J Med Sci. 2017; 353(2):189. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28183422.