Clinico-etiological analysis of annular skin eruptions: a cross-sectional study from Western Maharashtra

Abstract

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> Annular skin eruptions commonly present in dermatology outpatient department. The most common cause of annular lesions encountered among the adult population in developing nations is dermatophytosis. The aim of the study was to identify risk factors and determine etiology of annular skin lesions after correlation of clinical, pathological, serological and mycological features and to analyze the clinical and laboratory features.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> A cross-sectional study was conducted on 103 patients presenting with annular skin eruptions to the Dermatology outpatient/inpatient department of BJ Government Medical College and Sassoon Hospital, Pune during a two year period (2015 to 2017).<strong></strong></p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> During a two year period from 2015 to 2017, 103 patients with annular skin eruptions were enrolled. Of these, 67% (65.05%) had superficial dermatophytosis while 16 (15.5%) had Hansens disease. Other groups of sporadic cases found were chronic plaque psoriasis (54.85%), pityriasis rosea (43.9%), pityriasis versicolor (21.9%), secondary syphilis (21.9%), granuloma annulare (21.9%), annular elastolytic giant cell granuloma (11%), Bowens disease (11%), erythema multiforme (11%), porokeratosis (11%) and sarcoidosis (11%). Statistically significant association was found between number, color, site and symptoms in superficial dermatophytosis.</p><p><strong>Conclusions:</strong> This was a novel study that attempted a comprehensive clinico-etiological compilation of annular skin eruptions analyzing a large number of clinical variables and risk factors. Based on the observations, an algorithmic clinical approach has been suggested to facilitate early diagnosis and treatment initiation.</p>