A characteristic rash, part (but not exclusive) of the many symptoms of rheumatic fever
Erythema marginatum (also known as rheumatic erythema) is a painless round to oval raised erythema mostly found in children with a pale centre and a sharp border, blanching on pressure. It is most prominent on the trunk and the inner aspects of thighs and arms (but never on the face), where dozens of them can appear up to a size of 2-3 centimetre in diameter in minutes.
The rash is associated with an earlier streptococcal infection and, apart from rheumatic fever, can be found in patients with glomerolunephritis (an inflammatory disease of the kidneys), sepsis and allergic drug reactions. Treatment is symptomatic and by identifying and treating the underlying cause .
Infectious Disease; RT Edmond, HAK Rowland; Wolfe Publishing 1990, second edition