What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• EGR Associated with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
• Erythema Gyratum Repens and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
• Erythema Gyratum Repens Associated with SLE

What is Erythema Gyratum Repens Associated with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus? (Definition/Background Information)

• Erythema Gyratum Repens (EGR) is an uncommon condition defining a type of skin lesion pattern, in which red skin rashes composed of concentric rings (annular erythema) moves to different parts of the body. EGR is normally associated with an underlying condition
• Erythema Gyratum Repens Associated with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus is associated with underlying systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), which is an autoimmune disorder that may affect any area of the body such as the skin, joints, kidneys, heart, and lungs
• The exact cause of development of EGR is unknown. Any part of the body skin may be involved; but, in many cases, the skin lesions are observed on the face, arms, and legs. The lesions are itchy (pruritic), which can result in scratching and bleeding
• Additionally, the symptoms of the associated systemic lupus erythematosus may be noted, which may include butterfly-like rash on the face, fatigue, low-grade fever, appetite loss, and sensitivity to sunlight
• Adequate treatment of the underlying autoimmune disorder can help resolve Erythema Gyratum Repens Associated with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. With appropriate treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus, the prognosis of Erythema Gyratum Repens may be improved in a majority of individuals

Who gets Erythema Gyratum Repens Associated with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Erythema Gyratum Repens Associated with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus may be observed in individuals of a wide age range, usually young and middle-aged adults
• Both males and females may be affected, although SLE is more common in females
• Individuals of all racial and ethnic background may be affected

What are the Risk Factors for Erythema Gyratum Repens Associated with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus? (Predisposing Factors)

• Individuals with systemic lupus erythematosus are at an increased risk for developing Erythema Gyratum Repens Associated with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases one’s chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Erythema Gyratum Repens Associated with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus? (Etiology)

• The exact cause of development of Erythema Gyratum Repens (EGR) is presently unknown. The condition may be caused by an abnormal immune system
• Erythema Gyratum Repens Associated with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus is associated with underlying systemic lupus erythematosus; it develops secondary to the autoimmune disorder

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Erythema Gyratum Repens Associated with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus?

The signs and symptoms of Erythema Gyratum Repens Associated with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus include:

• Skin lesions that are red and consisting of ring-like pattern; multiple skin lesions are noted
• The concentric red bands appear like wood grain patterns
• The skin lesions are itchy and may lead to scratching from bleeding
• The rashes may be observed as moving to other areas of the body, over a short time
• EGR usually involves the trunk and extremities, but may also cover the entire body surface

Additionally, symptoms of the underlying systemic lupus erythematosus, which may include skin rash on the face in the shape of a ‘butterfly’, fever, loss of appetite, muscle pain, hair loss, and enlarged lymph nodes, may be noted.

How is Erythema Gyratum Repens Associated with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Diagnosed?

A diagnosis of Erythema Gyratum Repens Associated with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus may involve the following:

• A thorough medical history assessment and complete physical examination
• Assessment of the signs and symptoms; the skin symptoms of the condition are generally distinctive and helpful in establishing its diagnosis
• Dermoscopy: It is a diagnostic tool where a dermatologist examines the skin using a special magnified lens
• Wood’s lamp examination: In this procedure, the healthcare provider examines the skin using ultraviolet light. It is performed to examine the change in skin pigmentation
• Tests and criteria outlined as per American College of Rheumatology to diagnose systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
• Blood chemistry panels
• Body fluid analysis
• Skin biopsy: A skin/tissue biopsy is performed and sent to a laboratory for a pathological examination. The pathologist examines the biopsy under a microscope. After putting together clinical findings, special studies on tissues (if needed) and with microscope findings, the pathologist arrives at a definitive diagnosis
• A differential diagnosis may be undertaken to rule out the following conditions that may present similar symptoms:
  • Bullous pemphigoid
  • Chronic urticaria
  • Erythema annulare centrifugum
  • Erythema marginatum
  • Erythema migrans
  • Lyme disease
  • Skin fungal infections such as tinea corporis

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Erythema Gyratum Repens Associated with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus?

Erythema Gyratum Repens Associated with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus may lead to the following complications:

• The presence of large patches of skin lesions may result in cosmetic issues (especially when it involves the face or exposed skin areas)
• This may result in emotional stress
• Secondary bacterial and fungal infection due to scratching and bleeding
• Complications that arise due to the underlying systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) such as thrombosis, renal failure, brain stroke, low platelet count, and hemolytic anemia

How is Erythema Gyratum Repens Associated with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Treated?

Treating the underlying SLE involved in Erythema Gyratum Repens Associated with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus often improves the skin condition. Additionally, the following treatment measures may be considered to treat the skin symptoms:

• Use of topical mediications and creams
• In some, corticosteroid therapy may be helpful
• Administration of antifungal or antibacterial medications for secondary infections
• Undertaking treatment for stress

Follow-up care with regular screening and check-ups are important and encouraged.

How can Erythema Gyratum Repens Associated with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus be Prevented?

• There is no effective preventive method for Erythema Gyratum Repens Associated with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
• Flare-ups can be prevented by managing medications, avoiding sun exposure, utilizing suitable sunscreens and clothing (to cover exposed skin areas), and close monitoring of the symptoms

What is the Prognosis of Erythema Gyratum Repens Associated with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

• The prognosis for Erythema Gyratum Repens Associated with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus may be improved with prompt treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus
• However, the overall prognosis is also dependent on the underlying condition and the severity of the symptoms presented

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Erythema Gyratum Repens Associated with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus:

• Do not pick or pop the blisters, for doing so can affect the healing process and may result in secondary infections
• Cleaning the skin too hard with strong chemicals or soaps may aggravate the skin condition. Care must be taken avoid strong soaps and chemicals that could potentially worsen the condition
• The presence of dirt on the body is not a causative factor for the condition. However, it helps to be clean and hygienic, which may help the condition from getting worse