Some, but not all, cutaneous diseases demonstrate characteristic arrangements or configurations of lesions. Commonly used adjectives include:
Annular: Used to describe lesions that are ring shaped. Annular plaques are typical findings in granuloma annulare, tinea corporis (ringworm), and erythema marginatum.
Gyrate: From the Latin gyratus, which means “to turn around in a circle,” gyrate skin lesions are rare presentations. Gyrate erythema that resembles wood grain or topographic maps is seen in erythema gyratum repens, which usually heralds the presence of an internal malignancy.
Dermatomal: Used to describe lesions that follow neurocutaneous dermatomes. The classic example is herpes zoster (shingles), which demonstrates grouped vesicles on an erythematous base in a dermatomal distribution.
Linear: More than 20 diseases may demonstrate linear configurations. One example is allergic contact dermatitis to poison ivy; it characteristically demonstrates linear erythematous papules or vesicles.
Grouped: Papules, pustules, or blisters (vesicles or bullae) may demonstrate grouped configurations. A typical example is herpes simplex, which demonstrates grouped vesicles on an erythematous base.
