Photochemotherapy for Recalcitrant Erythema Annulare Centrifugum: A Promising Treatment Option?

Abstract

Erythema annulare centrifugum is a dermatosis of unknown aetiology which usually follows a self-limiting course. Nevertheless, some cases tend to chronicity, especially when a culprit stimulus is not found, and can be challenging to treat. A 24-year-old male presented with a 3-year history of persistent plaques with polycyclic outlines and an infiltrated rim on the forearms, buttocks and thighs. After histopathological correlation, a diagnosis of erythema annulare centrifugum was therein made. Secondary causes were ruled out. Treatment with topical and systemic steroids provided no benefit, and the patient was reluctant to further systemic oral immunosuppression. Photochemotherapy was then attempted. A marked improved was observed since the first session, and the patient was clear by the 7th treatment. No adverse events were noted. The patient is still in remission at the 3rd month of follow-up. To our knowledge, we report the first case of an erythema annulare centrifugum successfully treated with photochemotherapy. Our case highlights the potential of this time-honoured therapeutic modality to address chronic and debilitating cases of this figurate dermatosis.