When Salmonella Manifests Through the Skin: Erythema Nodosum in a Pediatric Case

Abstract

Erythema nodosum (EN) is a non-specific nodular dermo-hypodermic rash characterized by the sudden occurrence of painful lumps located especially in the legs following a non-specific reaction to different internal and external antigens. Clinical and histological manifestations are stereotyped, regardless of the etiology. Erythema nodosum is most frequently associated with infections, particularly bacterial and less commonly viral, fungal, and parasitic. Other conditions can be discussed, including systemic diseases, malignant tumors, medicines, and vaccines. In almost half of cases, erythema nodosum is idiopathic if no cause is found. We report a case of erythema nodosum secondary to a Salmonella infection in a seven-year-old male. The peculiarity of our observation is the initial presentation of systemic signs that preceded the gastrointestinal symptoms.