The appearance of pathological elements on the skin accompanies many diseases. In some cases, seals are not a sign of dermatological pathologies, but arise due to other reasons. One of the examples of such formations on the skin is the Osler nodule. This element can be found in people with long-term infectious endocarditis. When Osler's nodules appear, an examination is necessary. It should be remembered that self-treatment of seals on the skin can only weaken this symptom, but will not eliminate the cause of the disease. Therefore, such signs serve as an occasion to contact a specialist.
Osler Nodule - what is it?
Nodules are seals that appear on the surface of the skin. In most cases, they are found on the back of the hand or foot, fingers. Osler's nodule never arises on its own, that is, for no reason. It is only a symptom of such a pathology as infectious endocarditis. This disease occurs in children and young people, less often in old age. Osler's nodules are painful seals on the skin. They are caused by damage to the vascular system. The color of the seal ranges from pink to burgundy. On palpation, the nodules can be displaced. Usually they occur suddenly, with an exacerbation of the disease. In most cases, seals dissolve on their own, leaving no residue. With a severe degree of endocarditis and the absence of treatment, the nodules do not disappear for a long time (weeks, months). To distinguish these formations from seals that occur with other pathologies, it is necessary to be examined by a cardiologist.
The reason for the appearance of Osler's nodules
Osler's nodule develops due to inflammatory infiltration of subcutaneous fat. The reason for the appearance of such a symptom is the ingress of bacterial agents into the vessels of the microvasculature and their defeat. This symptom indicates that the disease began long ago and acquired a chronic course. The etiological factors of infectious endocarditis are the following conditions:
- Rheumatic heart disease. Most often occurs in childhood and adolescence. Pathology usually develops in people suffering from chronic inflammation of the tonsils (tonsillitis).
- Atherosclerotic lesion of blood vessels and heart.
- Mechanical influences (injuries) damaging valves.
First of all, with infectious endocarditis, the inner layer of the heart is affected. Then the valve apparatus is involved in the process. With a long course of pathology, bacterial or viral particles with a blood stream spread throughout the body. Part of the microbes settles on the walls of blood vessels, causing inflammation. Thus, Osler nodules are formed.
Infectious endocarditis: symptoms of the disease
The clinical picture of infectious endocarditis at the onset of the disease resembles other infectious pathologies. First of all, symptoms of inflammation develop. These include: an increase in body temperature (sometimes up to 40 degrees), pain in the joints and muscles. Also, patients may be disturbed by discomfort in the heart, tachycardia, a feeling of “tingling”. With the spread of infection, endocarditis becomes septic. This means that pathogens enter the bloodstream and can enter other organs. Vascular damage can be judged by such a symptom as the appearance of Osler's nodules. They occur on the skin of the feet and hands, have a red color, are slightly painful on palpation. The magnitude of these infiltrates can reach the size of a pea. Usually they pass on their own within 5-7 days.
Another symptom is Roth spots. To detect this symptom, an examination of the fundus is necessary. These formations are areas of hemorrhage on the retina with a center of enlightenment in the middle. Roth spots can occur not only with endocarditis. For this reason, they are not an accurate diagnostic criterion.
How to get rid of Osler's nodules?
In order to cure Osler's nodules on the palms and feet, complex therapy is needed. First of all, it should be aimed at eliminating the cause of this symptom - infectious endocarditis. To do this, use antibacterial drugs "Penicillin", "Streptomycin" or cephalosporin medications. In cases of severe valve damage, surgical intervention is necessary. For local treatment of Osler's nodules, lotions with celandine infusion, honey are used.