Expert: Michael S. Fisher, <B>Ph.D., M.D.</B> - 10/28/2009

Question
Dr Fisher,

I am a 63 year old female, and have had Erythema Annulare for over 15 years on my thighs, hips, lower legs and back of arms. The rash appears every 2/3 months and usually last for the same length of time. Some of the rings are quite large.

I was diagnosed with this about 2 years ago after a skin biopsy on my arm. At first, the Dermatologist was convinced it was Sarcoidosis, which I had in my lungs just over 30 years ago. I would like to know, If, the rash is connected to Sarcoidosis in any way and why have it lasted so long?

Are there any other symptoms that come with the rash?

Would be grateful for your advice.  

Answer
Erythema annulare centrifugum has an incidence of 1/100,000 and may be associated with certain underlying factors, including: Connective tissue disorders, e.g. Sjogren's syndrome, durgs, e.g. penicillin, salicylates, amytriptyhline, etizolam, gold sodium thiomoalate, hydroxychloroquine sulfate, piroxicam, hydrochlorothiazide and thiacetazone, bacterial infections, e.g. Myco bacteria, Streptococuss, Escherichia cole, viral infections, e.g. Epstein Barr, molluscum contagiosum, fungal infections, parasites, sarcoidosis, hypereosinophilic syndrome, bullous dermatosis and autoimmune disease.
Treatment is with topical corticosteroids, tacrolimus, etanercept or subcutaneous interferon alpha.  The treal treatment is to do aways with the cause.