Erythema annulare centrifugum: a rare case report

Erythema annulare centrifugum (EAC) is a rare skin disease that is thought to be caused by interactions between inflammatory cells, mediators, and foreign antigen substances. It typically starts as erythematous macules or urticarial papules that enlarge peripherally to form an arcuate or polycyclic plaque. Symptomatic relief is the main therapy for this disease because no effective treatment is yet available. We report the case of a 50-year-old male with reddish pruritic patches on both arms, around the thighs, on the abdomen, and on the buttocks. The complaint started 3 years prior to treatment and often recurred. Fungal examination was negative, and histopathological examination supported a diagnosis of EAC. The patient was prescribed a topical corticosteroid, topical antifungal, and antihistamine. Although the lesion only showed minimal improvement, the patient experienced significant reduction in pruritus with no occurrence of new lesions. Despite being a rare disease, EAC must be considered when encountering an annular erythematous plaque.