Erythema annulare centrifugum associated with herpes zoster

Abstract

Erythema annulare centrifugum (EAC) presents as erythematous or urticarial papules, each with an annular shape, that exhibit peripheral extension. Internal malignancies are occasionally associated with EAC, and infectious diseases, including fungal, bacterial or viral infections, have also been regarded as possible causes of EAC. A 35-year old man had a 1-week history of a painful vesicular eruption over the trunk corresponding to dermatomes Th8-10. Concomitantly, he developed several annular eruptions over the trunk. We diagnosed the former lesions as herpes zoster and the latter as EAC associated with herpes zoster. Although DNA was extracted from the EAC region, no varicella-zoster virus DNA was detected. We consider that this is Wolf's isotopic response, which is caused by an alteration of the local immunity due to viral infection. An etiologic relationship between EAC and herpes zoster is strongly suggested by the present case and by our review.