Annular erythema of infancy (AEI) consists of self-limited eruptions of erythematous, annular to polycyclic patches and plaques. It is an idiopathic figurate erythema.[1] Over several days, a single lesion disappears without leaving behind any scale or hyperpigmentation. Mostly affecting the trunk, face, and extremities, this rash has no symptoms. The diagnosis of AEI is made through a combination of histopathologic and clinical examinations.[2] The disease first manifests in infancy, and if treatment is not received, the periodic eruptions usually stop after the first year of life.[3]
| Annular erythema of infancy | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Erythema annulare centrifugum. | |
| Specialty | Dermatology |
Signs and symptoms
editUrticarial papules or slowly growing, raised-bordered annular or circinate erythematous plaques are found upon physical examination. Lesions are located on the face, trunk, and extremities, and the condition is asymptomatic. Individual lesions heal in a few days however, new ones keep coming up until the skin fully clears up, which happens at about a year of age. At that point, the skin looks completely normal.[4]
Causes
editAlthough the exact cause of AEI is unknown, a hypersensitivity reaction to an unidentified antigen is believed to be involved.[2]
Diagnosis
editHistologic findings include perivascular lymphocyte infiltrates and either neutrophils or eosinophils; they are nonspecific.[1]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ a b Peterson Jr, A O; Jarratt, M (March 1981). "Annular erythema of infancy". Archives of Dermatology. 117 (3). JAMA: 145–148. doi:10.1001/archderm.1981.01650030023012. PMID 7212726. Retrieved 30 December 2023.
- ^ a b Kingsley, Jacob T.; Lee, Erica B.; Adams, Jennifer L. (2022). "A case of annular erythema of infancy accompanied by elevated tryptase". Pediatric Dermatology. 39 (5): 748–751. doi:10.1111/pde.15037. ISSN 0736-8046. PMC 9795958. PMID 35859272.
- ^ KA, Arnold; J, Gao; SL, Stein (2019). "A review of cutaneous hypersensitivity reactions in infants: From common to concerning". Pediatric Dermatology. 36 (3). Pediatr Dermatol: 274–282. doi:10.1111/pde.13827. ISSN 1525-1470. PMC 7167752. PMID 31025427.
- ^ Toledo-Alberola, F.; Betlloch-Mas, I. (January 1, 2010). "Annular Erythema of Infancy". Actas Dermo-Sifiliográficas (English Edition). 101 (6). Elsevier Doyma: 473–484. doi:10.1016/S1578-2190(10)70832-5. ISSN 1578-2190. PMID 20738966. Retrieved December 30, 2023.
Further reading
edit- S, Ly; M, Guram; N, Zoumberos; J, Kincannon; MS, Evans (2023). "Annular erythema of infancy: A rare and challenging diagnosis". Pediatric Dermatology. 40 (4). Pediatr Dermatol: 681–687. doi:10.1111/pde.15238. ISSN 1525-1470. PMID 36599189. S2CID 255462417. Retrieved December 30, 2023.
- Palit, Aparna; Inamadar, Arun C. (2012). "Annular, erythematous skin lesions in a neonate". Indian Dermatology Online Journal. 3 (1). Wolters Kluwer -- Medknow Publications: 45–47. doi:10.4103/2229-5178.93504. PMC 3481934. PMID 23130263.