What is Erythema annulare centrifugum?
Erythema annulare centrifugum is a skin disease characterized by a chronic ring-shaped and erythematous (red) form of skin eruption.
Are such skin changes classified as part of some similar skin diseases?
A number of other terms are used to classify these types of lesions such as e.g. figured erythema, annular erythema, erythema perstans, erythema gyratum perstans, erythema gyratum repens and erythema figuratum perstans.
What are the signs and symptoms?
Eruptions can occur at any time during life from youth to saria age. Eruptions usually begin as small raised pink-red spots that slowly enlarge and form a ring shape as the central area flattens and clears. The ring increases over time at a rate of about 2-5mm / day until it reaches an average size of about 6-8 cm in diameter. Sometimes the lesions do not form a complete ring and grow inside the irregular edges. Sometimes only one or a few lesions are present.
Lesions most commonly appear on the thigh and feet, but can occur on the face, body, and arms. They are usually painless but may cause mild itching in some patients.
What causes erythema anulare centrifugum?
No specific causes for the eruption have been found, but it has been reported that erythema of the annulus centrifugum is sometimes associated with diseases of the internal organs which include:
· Bacterial, fungal and viral infections such as tuberculosis, sinusitis, candidiasis or tinea
· Drugs including chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine, estrogen, penicillin and amitriptyline
· Tumors (especially the type of redness known as erythema gyratum perstans in which there are concentric and vortex rings)
· Food, usually some types of cheese or tomatoes
· Recurrent or chronic appendicitis
· Cholestatic liver disease (blocked biliary system)
· Graves’ disease (hyperactive thyroid gland)
In these cases of erythema annulare centrifugum, it is necessary to first treat the internal cause or to exclude the accused drug from use.
How is erythema annulare centrifugum treated?
Erythema annulare centrifugum usually resolves on its own. The eruption can last from a few weeks to several years (average duration is 11 months). No therapy was used in most subjects, however topical corticosteroids may be helpful in reducing redness, swelling, and itching.
Retrieved from Vanessa Ngan, staff writer
Key words: erythematous annular ring, diseases of internal organs, ring shape, topical corticosteroids,
Briefly: Erythema annulare centrifugum is a skin disease characterized by red annular changes on the skin. The changes are often associated with diseases of internal organs or tumors. Treatment depends on the cause with topical corticosteroid therapy.
Highlights: It is a very rare disease and affects an average of 1 in 100,000 patients per year. Due to their scarcity of documentation, causes and information are rare and not of great significance for certain meanings that the EAC could finally stack up a lot of unclassified lesions. It is known to occur at all ages and in all genders equally. Some articles, however, say that women are more prone to the disease than men.
