Erythema gyratum repens
| Erythema gyratum repens | |
|---|---|
| Specialty | Dermatology |
| Symptoms | Expanding swirly wavy red lines, scale, itch |
| Usual onset | Older adults (60s) |
| Causes | Cancer: lung cancer, oesophageal cancer, breast cancer |
| Diagnostic method |
|
| Differential diagnosis | Necrolytic migratory erythema, erythema migrans, erythrokeratodermia variabilis, subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus, tinea corporis |
| Treatment | Treat underlying cause |
| Medication | Antihistamines |
| Prognosis | Resolves with successful cancer treatment |
| Frequency | Rare, male:females (2:1) |
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 existing ones, giving the impression that the rash is moving. The resulting pattern is similar to wood grain. There is often an intense itch and scale over the leading edge, which may be slightly raised.
The cause is believed to have an immunological base. 80% of cases have an underlying cancer, of which almost half have lung cancer. Sometimes no cause is found.
Diagnosis is generally by its appearance, although tests may be required to exclude other conditions. These tests may include blood tests. A cancer may be located using medical imaging. Necrolytic migratory erythema and erythema migrans are some of many other skin conditions that may appear similar.
Treatment and outlook depend on the underlying cause. Antihistamines may help to reduce the itch. The rash typically resolves with successful cancer treatment.
The condition is rare. Males are affected twice as frequently as females. J. A. Gammel first described the condition in 1952.