Erythema annulare centrifugum and pregnancy

Erythema annulare centrifugum (EAC) or gyrate erythema was first described by Darier in 1916.1 It is characterized by a scaling or nonscaling erythematous eruption that expands in a centrifugal and annular pattern. It tends to spread peripherally to form large rings while clearing centrally. Itching is variable, but seldom absent. The disease has a chronic course, and may begin at any age. It appears to have no predilection for either sex. Most cases require no treatment and resolve spontaneously. Histologically, EAC has been categorized into superficial and deep variants. The upper and deep dermal vessels show dense perivascular lymphohistiocytic cuffing. The pathogenesis of EAC is unknown, but it is probably due to a hypersensitivity reaction to a variety of agents, including drugs, arthropod bites, infections (bacterial, mycobacterial, viral, fungal), gastrointestinal parasites, ingestion (blue cheese penicillium), and malignancy. In our case, the eruption appeared during pregnancy and resolved within 1 month after delivery. No other known etiologic factor was found. We therefore confirm the possible hormonal and physiologic relationship between EAC and pregnancy.