Erythema gyratum repens | |
---|---|
Specialty | Dermatology |
Symptoms | Expanding swirly wavy red lines, scale, itch[1] |
Usual onset | Older adults (60s)[1] |
Causes | Cancer: lung cancer, oesophageal cancer, breast cancer[1] |
Diagnostic method |
|
Differential diagnosis | Necrolytic migratory erythema, erythema migrans, erythrokeratodermia variabilis, subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus, tinea corporis[1] |
Treatment | Treat underlying cause[1] |
Medication | Antihistamines[2] |
Prognosis | Resolves with successful cancer treatment[1] |
Frequency | Rare, male:females (2:1)[1] |
Erythema gyratum repens is a skin condition that has a strong 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]