Erythema Elevatum Diutinum (EED)

What Is Erythema Elevatum Diutinum?

Erythema elevatum diutinum is a rare leucocytoclastic vasculitis thought to be caused by an immune response that is characterized by inflammation, a rash, and scarring of small blood vessels of the skin.

A characteristic poorly defined rash develops symmetically in the skin of extremities where the vessels are inflamed. Nodules and plaques are yellowish red and crust on healing, leaving darkened areas (hyperpigmentation).

Q: What is leucocytoclastic vasculitis?

A: Leucocytoclastic vasculitis is the most common form of vasculitis (inflammation of blood vessels) of the skin and usually results from deposition of immune complexes at the vessel wall. It presents in different forms and in association with different diseases. Diagnosis is made by skin biopsy with immunofluorescence.1

Erythema elevatum diutinum may be caused by inflammatory disease, certain infections such as HIV, immunological disease, malignancy, and drugs.

Corticosteroids are indicated when there are signs of incipient skin necrosis or when the disease is severe. Otherwise, treatment is with Colchicine or Dapsone medications.2

What Is Erythema Elevatum Diutinum In Celiac Disease and/or Gluten Sensitivity?

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1. Sunderkötter C, Bonsmann G, Sindrilaru A, Luger T. Management of leukocytoclastic vasculitis. J Dermatolog Treat. 2005;16(4):193-206. [↩]
2. Sunderkötter C, Bonsmann G, Sindrilaru A, Luger T. Management of leukocytoclastic vasculitis. J Dermatolog Treat. 2005;16(4):193-206. [↩]