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

• EGR Associated with Tuberculosis
• Erythema Gyratum Repens and Tuberculosis
• Erythema Gyratum Repens Associated with TB

What is Erythema Gyratum Repens Associated with Tuberculosis? (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 Tuberculosis is associated with underlying tuberculosis, which is a contagious infection caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The disease is characterized by the formation of nodules (tubercles) in the affected tissues
• 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 tuberculosis may be noted, which may include persistent cough, fever and chills, fatigue, and wheezing
• Adequate treatment of the underlying infection can help resolve Erythema Gyratum Repens Associated with Tuberculosis. With appropriate treatment of tuberculosis, the prognosis of erythema gyratum repens is good in a majority of individuals

Who gets Erythema Gyratum Repens Associated with Tuberculosis? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Erythema Gyratum Repens Associated with Tuberculosis may be observed in individuals of any age, although many cases are generally noted in adults
• Both males and females may be affected
• Individuals of all racial and ethnic background may be affected, but EGR is more common in Caucasians

What are the Risk Factors for Erythema Gyratum Repens Associated with Tuberculosis? (Predisposing Factors)

• Individuals with tuberculosis are at an increased risk for developing Erythema Gyratum Repens Associated with Tuberculosis

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 Tuberculosis? (Etiology)

• The exact cause of development of erythema gyratum repens (EGR) is presently unknown. The condition may be caused by an abnormal immune system’s response to the infection
• Erythema Gyratum Repens Associated with Tuberculosis is associated with underlying tuberculosis; it develops secondary to the infection

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Erythema Gyratum Repens Associated with Tuberculosis?

The signs and symptoms of Erythema Gyratum Repens Associated with Tuberculosis 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 can be very itchy, leading to bleeding from scratching
• 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 tuberculosis, which may include persistent cough, breathing difficulty, fever and chills, chest pain and cough, may be noted.

How is Erythema Gyratum Repens Associated with Tuberculosis Diagnosed?

A diagnosis of Erythema Gyratum Repens Associated with Tuberculosis 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
• Tuberculosis skin and blood tests
• Chest X-ray
• Tissue 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 Tuberculosis?

Erythema Gyratum Repens Associated with Tuberculosis 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 tuberculosis infection, such as coughing-up blood, meningitis (mostly in children), and lung damage

How is Erythema Gyratum Repens Associated with Tuberculosis Treated?

Treating the underlying tuberculosis infection involved in Erythema Gyratum Repens Associated with Tuberculosis often improves the skin condition. Additionally, the following treatment measures may be considered to treat the skin symptoms:

• Use of topical applications 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 Tuberculosis be Prevented?

The prevention of Erythema Gyratum Repens Associated with Tuberculosis is linked to preventing tuberculosis, which may be enabled through the following measures:

• Avoiding close physical contact with untreated individuals with tuberculosis (TB); getting treated, in case of contact with tuberculosis-infected individuals
• Undertaking early diagnosis and treatment of tuberculosis
• Getting vaccinated against TB
• Healthcare workers and individuals in close contact with the TB patients should follow strict hygiene and preventative measures
• Getting treatment for any underlying medical condition(s) that may decrease immunity in the individual

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

• The prognosis for Erythema Gyratum Repens Associated with Tuberculosis is usually good with prompt treatment of tuberculosis
• However, the overall prognosis is also dependent on the underlying condition (tuberculosis) and the severity of the symptoms presented

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Erythema Gyratum Repens Associated with Tuberculosis:

• 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