Circular Skin Rash Pictures: Skin Lesions, Treatments, and Causes
What are common skin lesions? How can they be treated? What causes different types of skin lesions?
Common Skin Lesions and Treatments
Skin lesions can take many forms, ranging from harmless blemishes to serious conditions. Some of the most common skin lesions and their treatments include:
Acne
Acne appears as whiteheads, blackheads, pimples, or cysts. It can be a harmless condition for some, but for others it can lead to scarring or low self-esteem. Acne develops when pores become clogged with dead skin cells and the skin’s natural oil, called sebum. Bacteria can also infect the clogged pores, causing inflammation. Mild acne may respond to over-the-counter products containing benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, but more severe cases may require a doctor’s treatment.
Eczema
Eczema is a common, chronic skin condition that appears as itchy, red patches. The exact cause of eczema is unknown, but it is not contagious. While there is no cure, managing eczema involves avoiding triggers, bathing and moisturizing regularly, and using medications as recommended by a doctor.
Cold Sores
Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus and appear as painful, tingling blisters on or around the lips. Cold sores typically go away on their own within a few weeks, but over-the-counter or prescription antiviral creams may help ease symptoms and speed healing.
Blisters
Blisters form when the skin is injured and a watery liquid called serum leaks into the damaged area. Common causes include burns, friction, infections, and allergies. Blisters usually heal on their own, but popping them increases the risk of infection.
Hives
Hives are a red, bumpy, itchy rash caused by an allergic reaction. They typically go away on their own, but a severe allergic reaction requires immediate medical attention.
Impetigo
Impetigo is a contagious skin infection caused by Staphylococcus or Streptococcus bacteria. It appears as red sores that fill with pus and then crust over. Doctors treat impetigo with antibiotics.
Moles and Skin Cancer
Moles are common skin growths that can be circular, oblong, or atypical in appearance. While most moles are harmless, atypical moles may be a sign of skin cancer and should be closely monitored.
Actinic Keratosis
Actinic keratosis is a precancerous skin condition that develops on sun-damaged skin. It appears as crusty, discolored bumps and increases the risk of skin cancer. Treatments include surgery, creams, and light therapy.
Psoriasis
Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition that causes patches of itchy, scaly skin, often on the elbows, knees, or scalp. There is no cure, but treatments can help manage symptoms, including over-the-counter creams and prescription medications.
Ringworm
Ringworm is a fungal skin infection that appears as a circular, red rash. It is contagious and can be treated with antifungal creams or oral medications.
Monitoring Skin Changes
It’s important to monitor any skin lesions or changes and consult a healthcare provider, especially if a growth or rash seems abnormal or concerning. Early detection and treatment can be crucial for managing skin conditions, including potentially cancerous lesions.
Preventing Skin Lesions
Some steps to help prevent the development of certain skin lesions include:
- Maintaining good skin hygiene and avoiding irritants
- Protecting skin from sun exposure
- Avoiding triggers for conditions like eczema or psoriasis
- Seeking prompt treatment for infections or allergic reactions
When to Seek Medical Attention
If a skin lesion is persistent, painful, or seems concerning, it’s best to consult a healthcare provider, such as a dermatologist, for proper diagnosis and treatment. Early intervention can be crucial, especially for potential skin cancers.
Conclusion
Skin lesions can take many forms, from common conditions like acne and eczema to more serious concerns like skin cancer. Understanding the different types of lesions, their causes, and appropriate treatments can help individuals manage their skin health and seek timely medical attention when necessary.
Skin lesions: Pictures, treatments, and causes
Some common skin lesions and their treatments include:
Acne
Acne can appear as whiteheads, blackheads, pimples, or cysts. It can be harmless for some, but for others it can lead to scarring or low self-esteem.
Acne develops when the pores in the skin are clogged with dead skin cells and the skin’s natural oil, called sebum. Bacteria can also get into the clogged pore, inflaming the lesions.
People with mild acne may find over-the-counter (OTC) products that contain benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid to be effective. These products usually produce any results in 4–8 weeks.
If acne is more severe or if OTC products do not work, a person should see a doctor, such as a dermatologist.
Learn more about acne here.
Eczema
Eczema is common and often appears as itchy, red patches of skin. These can form anywhere on the body.
Experts do not know what causes eczema, but it is not contagious.
It is a chronic condition, meaning that there is no cure, but medications and lifestyle changes can manage the symptoms.
The National Eczema Association recommend that people with eczema:
- avoid anything that seems to make it worse
- bathe and moisturize every day
- use the medications recommended or prescribed by their doctors
Learn more about eczema here.
Cold sores
The herpes simplex virus causes a contagious infection. A person may only realize that they have it when they notice cold sores — which look like blisters — forming on or around their lips. The sores may be painful or tingly.
Cold sores tend to reappear from time to time. Stress and exposure to sunlight are among the various factors that can trigger an outbreak of the sores.
Cold sores usually go away on their own in a few weeks.
Some people use OTC creams that contain acyclovir to ease the symptoms and speed the healing process.
However, topical antivirals like these are not always effective. A person may be more likely to see results if they use prescription antiviral medication.
Learn more about cold sores here.
Blisters
When the skin is injured, a watery liquid called serum leaks into the damaged area from the surrounding tissue. This can form a bubble in the skin called a blister.
Burns, rubbing, infections, and allergies are the most common causes of blisters.
These lesions usually go away on their own — and popping or bursting them increases the risk of infection.
Learn more about blisters here.
Hives
Allergic reactions can cause hives, which look like a red, bumpy, itchy rash. Hives usually go away on their own.
If anyone suspects a serious allergic reaction, they should call 911 or otherwise contact emergency services. The warning signs include:
- trouble breathing
- swelling or tightness of the throat
- nausea, with or without vomiting
- abdominal pain
- diarrhea
- dizziness
- fainting
- a rapid heartbeat
Learn more about hives here.
Impetigo
An infection of Staphylococcus or Streptococcus bacteria — known colloquially as staph or strep — causes impetigo.
Impetigo is a skin infection that forms red sores surrounded by red skin. The lesions fill with pus and become pimples, which then break open and crust over.
Impetigo is contagious, and it spreads easily. Doctors treat it with antibiotics.
Learn more about impetigo here.
Moles
Moles are circular or oblong patches that are darker than surrounding skin. The three main types of mole are:
- Congenital: A person is a born with this type of mole, which may be of any size and on any part of the body.
- Common: Most adults have 10–40 of these typically harmless growths, which tend to appear above the waist, in areas exposed to the sun.
- Atypical: The skin cancer melanoma can form in atypical moles, which are usually larger than a quarter of an inch in diameter, not round, and more than one color.
People who have atypical moles should monitor them closely, as they can turn into skin cancer. Check for differences in the way that they look or feel and speak to a doctor about any changes.
Learn more about moles here.
Actinic keratosis
Actinic keratosis can develop on skin that has been damaged by the sun. It looks like flesh-colored, brown, pink, or red crusty bumps.
People with actinic keratosis have a high risk of developing skin cancer.
Doctors may recommend surgery, creams, or light therapy as treatments.
Learn more about actinic keratosis here.
Psoriasis
Psoriasis usually forms patches of itchy or scaly skin. The patches tend to appear on the elbows, knees, or scalp, but they can develop on any part of the body.
Scientists do not yet know exactly what causes psoriasis. However, it is an autoimmune condition — it results from a problem with the immune system. There is no cure, but several treatments are available.
OTC creams and ointments can help some people, while others need prescription medication.
Learn more about psoriasis here.
Ringworm
Fungus causes ringworm, a skin infection that can form a circular rash. It can appear on any part of the body, and the rash is usually surrounded by itchy, red, scaly skin and hair loss.
People sometimes call ringworm on the feet athlete’s foot or ringworm on the groin jock itch.
OTC creams, lotions, and powders can treat the infection.
The name for ringworm on the scalp is tinea capitis, and it usually requires prescription antifungal medication. Treatment can take 1–3 months.
Learn more about ringworm here.
If OTC products do not resolve acne, eczema, or psoriasis, a person should contact a doctor, who may prescribe medication in the forms of creams, lotions, or pills.
There are no OTC treatments for impetigo. Anyone who thinks that they or their child has the infection should speak to a doctor.
Ringworm on the scalp requires medical attention. Anyone who suspects that they have this should see a doctor, who can prescribe antifungal medication.
Anyone who notices new moles or changes in existing moles should contact a doctor, who may screen for skin cancer. The same is true for people who have actinic keratosis.
A range of health issues and factors such as shoes or clothes rubbing against the skin can cause lesions.
Some of these lesions, including cold sores and blisters, usually go away on their own within a few weeks. Others, such as eczema and psoriasis, are long-term conditions that need ongoing treatment.
In many cases, doctors can treat lesions that may become cancerous. Anyone with concerns about skin cancer should contact a healthcare provider.
Lupus rash on black skin: Symptoms and treatment
Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disorder that causes the immune system to attack healthy tissue in the body. Many people with lupus may experience a malar rash that extends over the face in the shape of a butterfly.
Lupus is an autoimmune disease that affects at least 5 million people worldwide. However, the condition is more common in African American people. Females are also more likely to get lupus than males, and it occurs most often in those aged between 15–45 years.
Lupus can cause many symptoms, including skin rashes, joint swelling, and headaches. Another common symptom is a malar rash, or butterfly rash, on the face. Lupus may also cause sores to appear on the skin.
This article explores the symptoms and prevalence of lupus on black skin, along with causes and treatment options.
Symptoms of lupus may include:
- malar rash, which appears as a butterfly-shaped red or different color rash across the cheeks and nose, that may feel painful or itchy
- a raised, scaly rash on the skin
- sores in the nose or mouth
- pain and swelling of joints
- fatigue
- anemia
- fever
- flu-like symptoms
- chest pain when breathing deeply
- unexplained hair loss, particularly on the scalp
- Raynaud’s disease, where toes or fingers change color, such as turning paler or purple, due to cold or stress
- rash or feeling sick after sun exposure
In some people with lupus, inflammation may affect the blood and organs, which could lead to:
- heart disease
- kidney disease
- lung problems
- digestive issues
Lupus nephritis
If a person has a kidney issue due to lupus, doctors may refer to it as lupus nephritis. With this condition, people may experience:
- foamy urine
- swelling due to fluid retention in the legs, feet, ankles, and sometimes the hands or face
- high blood pressure
Lupus can also increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. If people with lupus experience unexplained chest pain, they should seek immediate medical help.
People of all genders, races, and ethnicities can develop lupus. According to the Lupus Foundation of America:
- lupus is more common in females than males: 9 out of 10 people with the condition are female
- African American females are three times more likely to develop lupus than white females
- African American females are more likely to develop more severe cases of lupus, and at a younger age
- lupus affects 1 in 250 African American females in the United States
The main form of lupus, systemic lupus erythematosus, is more common among people of African heritage.
There is currently no clear reason why lupus commonly affects people of African descent. Researchers believe it may have a link to:
- genetics
- hormones
- environmental factors
Other racial and ethnic groups are also at higher risk for developing lupus. These include:
- Asian American
- Hispanic
- Latinx
- Native American
- Pacific Islander
Race and ethnicity can also affect complications of lupus. African Americans, Hispanics, Latinos, and Asian Americans are at higher risk of developing lupus nephritis than white people.
As well as race, ethnicity, and gender, risk factors for lupus may include a history of lupus in the family, or another autoimmune condition.
There is no known cause for lupus. However, possible causes may include genetics, environmental factors, and immune system factors. Stress, certain medications, and sunlight can also trigger lupus symptoms, known as flares. However, lupus is not contagious.
There are four different types of lupus:
- Systemic lupus erythematosus: This is the most common type of lupus.
- Cutaneous lupus: This type of lupus only affects the skin. The most common type to affect black skin is discoid lupus, which presents as a rash, usually on the face, neck, and scalp.
- Drug-induced lupus: This occurs when certain medications cause symptoms similar to lupus.
- Neonatal lupus: A rare condition that affects infants.
Diagnosing lupus can be difficult, as there is no specific test for the disease, while many of its symptoms overlap with other conditions. A doctor will use a combination of laboratory tests and symptom assessments to diagnose the condition.
These tests may include:
- Blood and urine tests: Antinuclear antibody tests can indicate if a person’s immune system is likely to make autoantibodies of lupus. Roughly 97% of people with lupus show positive test results for these autoantibodies.
- Tissue biopsy: A doctor may take a sample of skin or kidney tissue to check for signs of autoimmune disease.
- Physical exam: To check for rashes or other physical symptoms of lupus.
- Medical and family history: To keep track of any symptoms and investigate any family history of autoimmune disease.
There is a set criteria list of 11 symptoms and test results for diagnosing lupus. If people meet four or more out of the 11, they may have the condition.
As different lupus symptoms can develop over time, it can be beneficial to keep track of any health issues that people experience over the years. It is also important to know if any relatives have had lupus or autoimmune disease.
There is currently no cure for lupus, although people can work with their healthcare team to develop a treatment plan to help manage the condition.
Treatments can help keep symptoms in check, prevent the immune system from attacking healthy tissue, and protect against organ damage.
These strategies may be a combination of medications, lifestyle and dietary changes, and alternative therapies.
Medications
Medications for lupus can include:
- Anti-inflammatory drugs: These include ibuprofen to reduce pain, inflammation, and swelling in joints and muscles.
- Corticosteroids: These may help reduce swelling, tenderness, and pain. They could also calm the immune system.
- Antimalarials drugs: These drugs may help treat:
- joint pain
- skin rashes
- fatigue
- lung inflammation
- Immunosuppressants: In severe cases, doctors may suggest these to help manage inflammation and an overactive immune system.
- Anticoagulants: Many people with lupus may be at risk for blood clots. Therefore, doctors may recommend these drugs to prevent a stroke or heart attack.
People can discuss the potential side effects of any medication with their doctor. Healthcare professionals will carefully monitor a person taking lupus medication to check for any serious adverse effects.
Lifestyle and diet changes
Lifestyle and dietary changes may include:
- Protection from sun exposure: People with lupus should try to wear sunscreen all year round, cover up, and stay out of the sun at peak times. Lupus can cause the skin to become more sensitive to the sun and trigger flare-ups.
- Eating a healthy, balanced diet: Eating plenty of vegetables, fruits, and foods low in salt, sugar, and fat may help manage symptoms.
- Regular exercise: Moderate, low-impact exercise can help maintain strength and energy levels.
- Rest: Excessive activity may trigger a lupus flare, so alternate active periods with rest and get quality sleep.
- Avoiding smoking and second-hand smoke: Cigarette smoke chemicals can worsen lupus symptoms.
People can contact their doctor if they have a temperature above 99.6°F (37.5°C). A high temperature could indicate a lupus flare or infection.
Lupus can also cause depression, so it is important that people reach out to a healthcare professional if they are experiencing mental health issues. Connecting with a support network may help people manage their condition and positively affect health.
Alternative therapies
Alternative therapies, such as acupuncture, tai chi, and massage therapy, may help alongside other treatments to relieve pain and ease stress. However, more research is necessary to confirm their effectiveness.
If people are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, they can talk with their doctor. Healthcare professionals consider lupus pregnancies as high risk, and people will need to follow a plan to ensure they and their baby stay safe.
Lupus is an autoimmune condition that causes the immune system to attack healthy tissue. This can result in a range of mild to severe symptoms, which can include skin rashes.
Gender, race, and ethnicity may play a role in who is more likely to have lupus. The condition more commonly affects females and people of African heritage. Possible reasons for this include genetics, hormones, and environmental factors.
Although there is currently no cure for lupus, a combination of treatments can help control symptoms and improve quality of life. People can see their doctor for diagnosis and a treatment plan to help manage the condition.
Rash on the body | causes, symptoms, types of skin rashes, treatment
Human skin is an indicator of the state of his body. Various rashes on the skin of the abdomen, chest, face, arms and legs appear depending on diseases of the internal organs, being symptoms of allergies, viral or infectious infections. A rash is a change in the condition of the skin on different parts of the human body, which differ in location, rate of appearance, stage of development, filling, color and texture.
Rashes can cause various discomforts. It happens that the rash has an unclear origin and appears for non-specific reasons, so you should consult a doctor in a timely manner to prevent complications and infection of other people if the disease is contagious.
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Primary appointment (examination, consultation) with an allergist-immunologist | 1500 ₽ |
Repeated appointment (examination, consultation) with an allergist-immunologist | 1350 ₽ |
Appointment with a dermatovenereologist (primary) | 1500 ₽ |
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Contents
- Types of skin rashes
- Allergic rash
- Rash in infectious diseases
- Skin rash
- Treatment
Types of skin rashes
The rash can be either primary or secondary. The primary is observed on a healthy body. If the primary satiety has not been treated, then a secondary rash appears on the same places in the dermis.
Primary skin rashes
Due to various diseases, the following types of primary rash are formed:
- Papule (nodule) – a bulge of a different consistency, without content, which passes without a trace. It is often in the shape of a cone or circle. Papules merging with each other, are quite large. They are divided into 3 groups by size: the smallest from 1 to 3 mm, medium, large – from 1 to 4 cm. Papules differ in the presence of an inflammatory process.
- Knot – a protruding part of the skin that does not have a cavity with dimensions up to 10 cm. It can be both inflammatory and non-inflammatory rash, after resolution, a scar remains.
- Tubercle is a raised skin lesion about 1 cm in size, without internal filling. The bumps may change color. They leave scars behind.
- Pustule – Vesicle with pus covered with a thin film on top. The skin around the pustule is inflamed. Types of pustules:
- Conflicts are non-follicular ulcers on the surface of the skin that look like blisters with pus. The skin around is reddish due to inflammation. When the conflicts pass, the resulting crust disappears, and the pigmentation still lasts for some time.
- Ecthymas are non-follicular deep pustules with a purulent bottom, after which scars form on the skin.
- Superficial follicular pustules sizes from 1 to 5 mm are partially located in the follicle, affecting only the papillary layer. By resolution, there are no scars, no pigmentation, no scars.
- Deep follicular pustules occupy not only the entire follicle, but also all layers of the dermis, so after treatment they leave scars. They have varieties such as boils and carbuncles.
Secondary rashes
They are caused by the lack of treatment of primary lesions, as a rule, due to not timely access to a doctor, or the lack of results of self-treatment. Morphological elements of secondary rashes include:
- Hyperpigmentation, depigmentation, when the skin becomes either darker or discolored.
- Superficial or deep scars and abrasions that remain after scratching or are part of the resolution of dermatological diseases such as neurodermatitis, eczema, etc.
Common types of secondary skin manifestations:
- eschar – formation on the skin after bursting of vesicles, pustules and sores in the form of a crust, the color of which depends on the content.
- plaques – skin lesions more than 5 mm, rising above the level of the skin, which are formed as a result of the connection of several papules. Their boundaries depend on the disease, for example, in psoriasis they are clear.
- erosion – changes resulting from the opening of the vesicle and abscess and affecting only the upper layers of the skin of the face, genitals, hands. They indicate an inflammatory process, do not leave scars.
- ulcers – recurrent defects with violation of the integrity of the skin, which capture all layers – to the subcutaneous fat. Characterized by a long course, difficult healing. Treatment leaves scars. Typically, in people with diabetes, they affect the legs.
- scales – peeling of the dying upper layer of the skin in the form of particles. Separating horny plates, depending on the disease, are of different colors: white, gray, brown, yellow. For example, as a result of seborrheic dermatitis, eczema, lichen, psoriasis, white scales form.
- lichenification – indurated and dry areas of the skin of a pinkish tint, with increased pattern and pigmentation. Against the background of ulcers, eczema and neurodermatitis, as a result of scratching, the skin becomes covered with abrasions and crusts, which are formed due to the drying of the weeping surface departments in place of bursting vesicles, pustules.
Allergic rash
Rash appears on the skin due to an allergy that releases histamine. Thanks to the work of immune cells, trying to remove a foreign object from the body, blood vessels dilate, inflamed skin swells.
- Urticaria – allergic rash with severe itching, red swollen spots on the abdomen, chest, limbs, less often on the face, which quickly appear and change shape and location.
- Contact dermatitis manifests itself at the site of close contact with the allergen and is accompanied by additional symptoms such as lacrimation, runny nose, headache, palpitations, convulsions, nausea.
- Dermatitis is observed against the background of the direct effect of the allergen on the skin, digestive system, respiratory tract.
List of main allergens:
- pet hair;
- pollen from flowering plants;
- medicines (antibiotics, sulfa drugs, hormonal pills, vitamins, etc.)
- food products and additives;
- cosmetics, whether decorative or caring;
- dust and smoke smell;
- various metals and artificial fabrics.
Rashes in infectious diseases
When infected with a virus, infectious rashes can occur in both adults and children. In some cases, they are placed only in some places, and sometimes they cover the body completely:
- Chicken pox begins with round pink rashes that are found on the whole body, even on the scalp, on mucous membranes, and sometimes on the palms and feet. Subsequently, itchy blisters with liquid inside form in this place. After 2-3 days they dry up and crusts appear. At the same time, manifestations of different stages coexist on the body. Smallpox can last from 5 to 10 days.
- In case of rubella , at first a red small rash with a diameter of up to 10 mm in a round shape appears on the neck and on the skin of the face, then the rash spreads to the body. As a rule, pimples pass in 2 – 4 days. It happens that the disease drags on for a week, and then the rashes disappear, leaving no traces of pigmentation.
- measles is characterized by a purple rash that becomes visible on the second day. They may appear in sequence. They first affect the neck, face, area behind the ears, and after a day they already spread to the body. The rash then covers the entire body, including the palms and soles, including the fingers. The elements of the rash tend to connect. In the future, they gradually subside. Within a week and a half, the skin affected by the rash remains in color, like age spots.
- With scarlet fever small red rashes stand out on the skin. Numerous spots cover the entire body, but are especially intense in the folds of the skin, on the lower abdomen, in the groin, on the back and on the sides of the body. Sometimes the skin turns blue. A characteristic feature is the absence of rashes in the region of the nasolabial triangle formed by the corners of the mouth and the bridge of the nose. Within 3 to 7 days, the rash disappears without leaving pigmentation. However, then the skin peels off, and leaves the arms and legs in layers.
- Herpes – blisters with fluid rounded on the lips or body. During the healing process, yellow or dark crusts first remain on the skin, which disappear with time.
- Herpes zoster – vesicles up to 5 mm in size on one side of the body. As a rule, it is in patients with chickenpox. Accompanied by pain, severe itching. After them, depressions, scars or age spots remain.
- With syphilis the rash is located on the chest, in the groin and appears with secondary syphilis. For the first time, red rashes are plentiful and symmetrical, subsequent ones are unsaturated.
- Candidiasis is accompanied by blisters that burst, leaving cracks with whitish content and erosion in the folds of the body due to friction.
- For scabies , the characteristic appearance is scabies, papules, vesicles, blisters that are visible to the naked eye.
- With ostiofolliculitis skin changes in the form of purulent pustules with a pink border appear on the folds, on the face, on the head in the hair. Then crusts form on the skin, and then they fall off – age spots.
Intoxication of the body, which is accompanied by an increase in body temperature, occurs with enterovirus infection, tuberculosis and other infectious diseases. However, it is impossible to make a diagnosis on your own, because the symptoms are mild, and rashes are often absent. Seriousness is indicated by skin manifestations along with other pathological symptoms.
For example, the initial symptoms of blood poisoning are similar to the flu – high fever, vomiting. A distinctive feature is hemorrhagic petechial hemorrhages due to rupture of superficial capillaries. This is a sign of deadly meningococcal sepsis, which develops rapidly, so an ambulance is called immediately.
Rash in skin diseases
Eruptions can cause the following skin diseases:
- acne (acne) – manifests itself in the form of ulcers on the nose, forehead, cheeks and chin;
- psoriasis ;
- fungal diseases ;
- scabies caused by microscopic parasites.
In young children, reddening of the skin may be caused by insect bites or prickly heat, a typical reaction to overheating.
These are not all diseases that are accompanied by a skin rash.
Treatment
Do not try to determine the cause of the rash yourself, as you can be mistaken. In the case of skin rashes, it is necessary to seek advice from a dermatologist, pediatrician or general practitioner. If you have allergies, you need to see an allergist, an immunologist. With self-administration of antihistamines, there is no complex treatment, therefore, acute allergic reactions may occur in the future. Often the rash has a non-specific appearance, so it should be treated by a qualified specialist based on diagnostic tests and clinical test results.
Make an appointment
If you have any rash, you can make an appointment with a dermatovenereologist for a detailed diagnosis. Treatment in our medical center is carried out by experienced specialists, doctors of the highest category, who use modern methods to prevent allergic and chronic diseases. Registration is available online or by phone.
Physicians
Who treat rashes and various skin eruptions
Vitalieva Ekaterina Eduardovna
allergist-immunologist
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Tikhonova Olga Anatolyevna
dermatovenereologist
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Erythema annulare: symptoms, treatment, diagnosis of the disease
Erythema annulare is a multiform lesion of the skin, a characteristic feature of which is the appearance of ring-shaped spots and rashes on the skin. The color of the skin of the affected areas changes and becomes red, hot pink or bluish. Depending on the causes of the disease, edema, local fever and other manifestations of the disease can be observed. A change in skin color occurs due to the expansion of the lumen of the blood capillaries penetrating the connective tissue, and the blood stagnation associated with it.
Varieties of pathology
Doctors distinguish several types of annular erythema, depending on the causes of the disease:
- Darya centrifugal erythema – most often affecting middle-aged men, less often – children and the elderly, related to infectious-allergic manifestations;
- migratory – a disease of an infectious nature resulting from the bite of a tick infected with Borrelia;
- rheumatic, or annular erythema, is one of the symptoms accompanying rheumatism, characteristic of children and adolescents.
According to external signs, ring erythema can occur:
- in scaly form – with peeling of dead skin along the edges or the entire surface of the spots;
- in vesicular form – with the appearance of small fluid-filled vesicles along the edge or the entire surface of the spots;
- in a garland-like form – with the mildest course, which is characterized by pale pink spots arranged in chains or garlands and disappearing after a few days;
- in a microgarland-like form – with small spots, up to 1 cm in diameter, sometimes accompanied by peeling or the formation of bubbles, with a long course.
The medical literature also mentions other, very rare types of annular erythema – telangiectatic, purpuric or indurated.
Symptoms
The main manifestation of the disease is the appearance on the skin of characteristic rashes in the form of irregular rings with a bright border raised above the surface of the skin. With centrifugal erythema of Dardieu, they appear, as a rule, on areas of the skin, usually covered with clothing – on the back, abdomen and chest, forearms. Erythema annulare after a midge bite is a single spot that spreads from the site of infection, and in its final form it can reach 20-25 cm in diameter. The spots may be accompanied by itching or burning. In the rheumatic form of the pathology, there are no unpleasant sensations.
Causes of disease
There are many diseases and conditions that can cause erythema annulare, since it is not an independent disease and always occurs against the background of some pathological process. Skin manifestations most often develop against the background of:
- accumulation of toxins in the body;
- rheumatism;
- fungal, viral or bacterial infections;
- chronic inflammatory diseases;
- dysfunctions of the endocrine gland;
- tuberculosis;
- borreliosis;
- reduce the protective function of the immune system;
- allergic reaction;
- cancer;
- helminthic infestation;
- taking certain medications.
In addition, in many cases, Darier’s annular erythema occurs for no apparent reason in perfectly healthy people.
Diagnostics
When erythema annulare appears, the diagnosis is based on dermatological examination data and history taking. The main task of the examination is to determine the cause that caused pathological changes in the skin. For this, the patient is prescribed:
- skin scraping test for fungus;
- clinical blood test;
- testing for treponematosis;
- skin biopsy for histological analysis;
- serological examination of blood;
- allergy tests.
Based on the results obtained, specific studies can be prescribed to determine the state of certain organs and identify the underlying disease.
Treatment
The main principle of the treatment of erythema annulare is to stop the action of the factor that provokes the pathology. Depending on the results of the diagnosis, the patient may be prescribed drugs for oral administration:
- antibiotics, antivirals for the treatment of infection;
- antiallergic and hyposensitizing agents;
- cytostatics;
- dehelminthic agents;
- glucocorticoids.
In addition, external agents may be useful – antihistamine, steroid or zinc-containing ointments to reduce discomfort and reduce symptoms. With erythema annulare, clinical recommendations may include limiting certain foods that cause an allergic reaction: confectionery, mushrooms, nuts, canned food, smoked meats, citrus fruits, etc. You should be prepared for the fact that the treatment process will last several months, as well as the possibility relapses.
Diagnostics and treatment of annular erythema in Moscow
The clinic of JSC “Medicina” conducts effective diagnostics and treatment of erythema annulare in Moscow. We have a powerful laboratory and diagnostic base that allows us to perform the most modern and informative types of analyzes and diagnostic procedures. Consultations are conducted by experienced doctors of the highest category. Make an appointment online or by phone at a convenient time for you.
Questions and answers
Which doctor treats erythema annulare?
If you suspect an annular erythema, you should immediately contact a dermatologist who will conduct an appropriate diagnosis and prescribe treatment based on its results. In the future, you may need to consult an allergist, rheumatologist, oncologist or other specialists, depending on the cause that caused the appearance of red spots on the skin.