[Annular erythema in childhood--a new eosinophilic dermatosis]

Annular erythema of infancy is a rare and little-known entity. Since its initial description by Peterson and Jarratt in 1981 only 4 further cases have been reported. We present the first case in the German literature. A 4-year-old boy developed non-itching erythematous papules on the trunk which evolved into annular and gyrate erythemas within weeks. The condition showed a relapsing course with disease-free intervals of several months duration. There were no general complaints. Laboratory investigations including detailed serological tests for infectious diseases were normal. Histopathology showed a striking eosinophilic inflammatory infiltrate predominantly in perivascular areas, without peripheral blood eosinophilia. The clinical differential diagnosis of annular erythema of infancy includes erythema annulare centrifugum, while microscopically one must exclude eosinophilic cellulitis (Wells' syndrome). The etiology is unknown and there is no effective therapy. In our case, as well as in all previously published cases, the disease resolved spontaneously. Therefore, it may be considered benign and self-limited.