A new type of annular erythema with perieccrine inflammation: erythema papulatum centrifugum.

Erythema papulatum centrifugum (EPC) was first described in 1962 by Watanabe [Jpn J Dermatol 1962;72:573] as eczematous lesions extending centrifugally. To date, more than 150 cases have been reported, but only in the Japanese literature. A review of the Japanese literature including our 5 new cases reveals that EPC occurs in middle-aged persons, predominantly in males, as a single lesion on the trunk that is self-limiting but recurs frequently. Although EPC shares several characteristics with the superficial type of erythema annulare centrifugum or asymmetrical periflexural exanthema, EPC differs from erythema annulare centrifugum in clinical manifestation, showing annular rings composed of grouped, tiny papules, and in the histology of perieccrine inflammation, while it differs from asymmetrical periflexural exanthema by male preponderance, onset age, high relapse rate and unique annular configuration. We discuss EPC as compared with other cutaneous disorders showing annular erythema or similar histopathology and suggest that EPC is a distinct clinical entity.