Erythema annulare centrifugum.

Abstract

If one reviews the literature on the subject of erythema annulare centrifugum, it becomes quite obvious there is considerable confusion about the clinical presentation and histopathologic findings. This confusion is exemplified by the various quotes from dermatologic texts and scientific publications. Darier, who originally described the disease, described an annular, indurated, erythematous lesion without a scale that histologically was characterized by a superficial and deep lymphohistiocytic infiltrate and normal epidermis. Ackerman suggested that there are two types of gyrate erythema, a superficial type showing a scale, and the deep type as described by Darier. After reviewing the literature and studying patients with gyrate erythemas, it seems that there are two distinct types best termed the superficial and deep forms of gyrate erythema. Dermatologists use the term erythema annulare centrifugum to denote both of these forms. Perhaps that term should be discarded.