Nodular Vasculitis is a type of panniculitis that I occasionally encounter in both my The Woodlands dermatology and Conroe dermatology offices. Nodular Vasculitis is a lobular panniculitis and is identical both clinically and histologically to another type of panniculitis called erythema induratum. The only difference between the two skin diseases is that erythema induratum is caused by tuberculosis and Nodular vasculitis has no underlying infectious process. Nodular Vasculitis manifests as tender indurated nodules on the lower legs. It is most common in overweight middle aged women and is associated with venous insufficiency. In some patients, the nodules ulcerate and drain fluid as the fat layer liquefies. Treatment involves supersaturated potassium iodide, NSAIDs, antimalarials, colchicine and reducing the underlying venous insufficiency.
