Erythema annulare centrifugum (EAC) is characterized by circular or polycyclic lesions that may be superficial or deep. Individual lesions enlarge over days to months and subsequently resolve, but new lesions may continue to develop for weeks to years. They may be anywhere on the body, and usually several are present at once. EAC can occur at any age but tends to affect young or middle-aged adults. There is no sex or racial predilection.

Some believe there is an association with underlying infection (fungal, yeast, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, poxvirus, Epstein-Barr virus, mycobacteria, ascariasis), medications, malignancy (leukemia, Hodgkin lymphoma), blue cheese ingestion, or collagen vascular diseases.