Erythema gyratum repens

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Erythema gyratum repens
oesophageal cancer, breast cancer[1]
Diagnostic method
Differential diagnosisNecrolytic migratory erythema, erythema migrans, erythrokeratodermia variabilis, subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus, tinea corporis[1]
TreatmentTreat underlying cause[1]
MedicationAntihistamines[2]
PrognosisResolves with successful cancer treatment[1]
FrequencyRare, male:females (2:1)[1]

Erythema gyratum repens is a

association with internal cancers.[1] It characteristically presents with red wavy lines, generally in older adults.[1] These regular whirly rings rapidly and repetitively appear within existing ones, giving the impression that the rash is moving.[3] The resulting pattern is similar to wood grain.[1] There is often an intense itch and scale over the leading edge, which may be slightly raised.[2]

The cause is believed to have an immunological base.[4] 80% of cases have an underlying cancer, of which almost half have lung cancer.[1] Sometimes no cause is found.[3]

Diagnosis is generally by its appearance, although tests may be required to exclude other conditions.[3] These tests may include blood tests.[1] A cancer may be located using medical imaging.[1] Necrolytic migratory erythema and erythema migrans are some of many other skin conditions that may appear similar.[1]

Treatment and outlook depend on the underlying cause.[1] Antihistamines may help to reduce the itch.[2][5] The rash typically resolves with successful cancer treatment.[3]

The condition is rare.[1] Males are affected twice as frequently as females.[1] J. A. Gammel first described the condition in 1952.[6][7]

Signs and symptoms

Erythema gyratum repens characteristically presents as wavy

extremely dry.[3] Onset is generally in older adults; after the age of 60-years.[1]

Cause

The cause is believed to have an immunological base.

gastric cancer, uterine cancer, throat cancer, pancreas cancer and lymphoma.[1] The rash generally precedes the cancer diagnosis by around 9-months.[2] Less frequently, the cause may be tuberculosis of the lung, or no cause is found.[3] Other rare reported associations have included cryptogenic organizing pneumonia and rheumatoid arthritis.[2]

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is generally by its appearance.

Differential diagnosis

Necrolytic migratory erythema, erythema migrans, tinea corporis, erythrokeratodermia variabilis, and subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus are some of many other skin conditions that may appear similar.[1]

Treatment

Treatment and outlook depend on the underlying cause.[1] Antihistamines may help to reduce the itch, although the role of applying a steroid cream is unclear.[2][5] The rash typically resolves with successful cancer treatment.[3]

Epidemiology

The condition is rare.[1] Males are affected twice as frequently as females.[1]

History

J. A. Gammel first described the condition in 1952, in an individual who was later found to have breast cancer.[6][7]

See also

References

External links