Figurate erythema describes a rash linked to various skin conditions, characterized by one or more
red
Red is the color at the long wavelength end of the visible spectrum of light, next to orange and opposite violet. It has a dominant wavelength of approximately 625–750 nanometres. It is a primary color in the RGB color model and a seconda ...
, wavy rings,
concentric circles
In geometry, two or more objects are said to be ''concentric'' when they share the same center. Any pair of (possibly unalike) objects with well-defined centers can be concentric, including circles, spheres, regular polygons, regular polyhe ...
, or arcs, typically recognised as annular patterns.
Classification
Four classic types have been reported as
erythema annulare centrifugum,
erythema gyratum repens
Erythema gyratum repens is a skin condition that has a strong association with internal cancers. It characteristically presents with red wavy lines, generally in older adults. These regular whirly rings rapidly and repetitively appear within ex ...
,
erythema migrans
Erythema migrans or erythema chronicum migrans is an expanding rash often seen in the early stage of Lyme disease, and can also (but less commonly) be caused by southern tick-associated rash illness (STARI). Page last reviewed: October 22, 2015 ...
and
erythema marginatum
Erythema marginatum (also known as chicken wire erythema) is an acquired skin condition which primarily affects the arms, trunk, and legs. It is a type of erythema (redness of the skin or mucous membranes) characterised by bright pink or red circ ...
, though the pattern is seen in numerous other conditions.
Causes may also be divided into infectious, malignant, and drug reactions.
Signs and symptoms
Figurate erythema is typically characterized by multiple
red
Red is the color at the long wavelength end of the visible spectrum of light, next to orange and opposite violet. It has a dominant wavelength of approximately 625–750 nanometres. It is a primary color in the RGB color model and a seconda ...
, wavy rings,
concentric circles
In geometry, two or more objects are said to be ''concentric'' when they share the same center. Any pair of (possibly unalike) objects with well-defined centers can be concentric, including circles, spheres, regular polygons, regular polyhe ...
, and arcs, typically recognised as annular patterns.
[ The initial lesion is typically a slightly raised reddish bump which extends outwards and may have a trailing scale.][ The lesions may be fixed, transient, or migratory.][
]
Diagnosis
Distinguishing between the varying types may be easier by describing its location, how rapidly it expands, and the characteristics of its border.[ Diagnosis is often by exclusion.][ To confirm a diagnosis, a biopsy may be required.][
]
History
The term was first described by Thomas Fox in 1889.[
]
References
Erythemas
{{Cutaneous-condition-stub