Etizolam-induced superficial erythema annulare centrifugum

Abstract

Erythema annulare centrifugum (EAC) is characterized by slowly enlarging annular erythematous lesions. Although the origin is not clear in most cases, EAC has been associated with infections, medications, and in rare cases, underlying malignancy. We describe a patient who developed annular erythematous lesions after etizolam administration. The eruptions were typical of the superficial form of EAC, both clinically and histopathologically. The lesions disappeared shortly after discontinuation of the medication. Patch testing with etizolam gave positive results. To our knowledge this is the first reported case of etizolam-induced superficial EAC.

Erythema annulare centrifugum successfully treated with metronidazole

“…EAC is an inflammatory skin disease with unknown etiopathogenesis, it may disappear spontaneously after a period varying from weeks to years and may recur after months or years 1 . There is no specific treatment for EAC: sometimes the lesions heal spontaneously or after elimination of presumed causes 1–3 . In the present case, oral metronidazole, used to treat papulo‐pustular rosacea, brought about rapidly remission of EAC without any recurrence in the year after stoppping therapy.…”

A case of etizolam dependence

“…Etizolam has been occasionally associated with skin lesions and blepharospasm. [ 8 9 ] However, the literature about its abuse and dependence potential is sparse. The rapid relief of anxiety by ultra-short-action and feeling of anxiety after the action wears off may lead to dependence by both positive and negative behavioral reinforcement.…”

Contact erythema annulare centrifugum

“…There is evidence to suggest that EAC is caused by cutaneous hypersensitivity to various infectious antigens originating from medication or neoplasic agents (3–6). There are authors who have highlighted this fact by means of epicutaneous tests with positive eczematous reactions (3, 4) and worsening of EAC.…”

“…There is evidence to suggest that EAC is caused by cutaneous hypersensitivity to various infectious antigens originating from medication or neoplasic agents (3–6). There are authors who have highlighted this fact by means of epicutaneous tests with positive eczematous reactions (3, 4) and worsening of EAC. In the case of our patient also, the appearance of a positive eczematous reaction coincident with the appearance of EAC supports the conclusion that in these cases, both the eczema and the EAC are different clinical manifestations of a cellular hypersensitivity reaction.…”