Clinical characteristics for erythema papulosa semicircularis recidivans in 92 outpatient cases

LIU Lu; SONG Zhi-qiang

doi:10.11786/sypfbxzz.1674-1293.20230503

Abstract：Objective Erythema papulosa semicircularis recidivans is a clinically rare semi-annular erythematous papular lesion common in summer,with unclear pathogenesis.In this study,our aim is to summarize its clinical characteristics,explore potential etiologies,and make differential diagnoses with other diseases.Methods A total of 92 patients who were treated at the outpatient department of Southwest Hospital,Third Military Medical University from September 20,2012 to September 20,2022 were recruited as study subjects.Demographic data,clinical characteristics,some laboratory tests and pathological data were collected and analyzed.Results Among the 92 patients,68 were males and 24 were females,with an average onset age of 37.80±9.91 years.90 patients had an onset in the Summer;while only 2 patients had an onset of illness in the winter.Patients presented with a typical semicircular arrangement of papuloerythematous eruptions,with 73(79.35%)on the chest and abdomen,12(13.04%)on the lower back,3(3.26%)on the hips,2(2.17%)on the lower extremities,1(1.09%)on the neck,and(11.09%)on the left upper extremity.It usually appears at the start of summer,disappears spontaneously at the end of autumn,and recurs the next year in the same season.The course of this disease usually lasts for 2 to 5 years,but 3 had symptoms persisting for 10 years.Oral antihistamines and topical corticosteroid ointment did not yield favorable responses.The histopathologic features of the lesions are almost similar,presenting as superficial perivasculitis of the dermis.Conclusion Although the etiology is unclear,the specific clinical characteristics and pattern of this disease indicate that it is an independent condition that can be distinguished from other annular erythema diseases.