What is erythema annulare centrifugum? Erythema annulare centrifugum is a chronic reactive form of annular erythema characterised by erythematous, circular, arciform, and polycyclic lesions, with a characteristic delicate scale behind the advancing edge (‘trailing scale’). Erythema annulare centrifugum (EAC) is a chronic, reactive phenomenon of the skin presenting with arcuate or annular, erythematous patches or thin plaques that frequently exhibit scale along the inner portion of the advancing edge of lesions ("trailing scale") (picture 1A-D).

Understanding the Context

Erythema annulare centrifugum (EAC) is classified as one of the figurate or gyrate erythemas. First described by Darier in 1916, it is characterized by a scaling or nonscaling, nonpruritic,... Learn about erythema annulare centrifugum (EAC), a rare skin disorder characterized by ring-shaped lesions. Explore its causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment options, and management strategies.

Key Insights

The most likely diagnosis is erythema annulare centrifugum (EAC); a clinicopathologic diagnosis combining the findings of annular clinical eruption with scale and a perivascular lymphohistiocytic infiltrate on histopathologic sections. Thus, the purpose of this study was to analyze the clinical features, associated diseases, recurrence rates, and treatment outcomes of EAC according to the histopathologic subtypes. Erythema annulare centrifugum (EAC) is a figurate erythema that favors the trunk and proximal extremities. The superficial variant is characterized by annular plaques with central clearing and a “trailing edge” of scale. The deep variant has a firm, indurated border often without scale.

Final Thoughts

EAC may be asymptomatic or may be accompanied by pruritus. Cutaneous fungal infection and Helicobacter pylori infection are the most common concomitant infectious diseases.