raised circular skin rash on ankle

[kayakchick]

I have a raised circular red rash on my ankle.  I have had it for several years and it has changed a little bit in shape and colour being more purple previously.  It does not itch or burn and in fact most of the time I don't even know it is there.  I tried a number of creams from my doctor but nothing has changed it at all.  It is very unsightly and quite visible if I am wearing sandals or bare legs.  I have pictures that I can provide if it would help to solve this problem.  I have traveled to a variety of overseas destinations but cannot honestly say if I noticed it directly after returning from a trip.  Because it is on the outside of my right ankle and it does not cause any discomfort it is not clear to me when it first appeared.  

[Jasmina Jankicevic, MD, MSc, CCRP]

Dear "kayakchick",

We have not heard back from you after our comment, so here is our answer based on information you initially provided.

There are, at least, several diseases as differential diagnoses including Granuloma annulare, Sarcoidosis, Tinea corporis, Subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus, Erythema marginatum, Erythema migrans.

Therefore, certain diagnostic tools are recommended such as skin biopsy, skin culture (to exclude fungal infection), serology test for Borrelia burgdorferi, CBC, SE & CRP, just to name a few.

Thank you for your question.

Wishing You Optimal Health,
Dr. Jasmina Jankicevic

[Jasmina Jankicevic, MD, MSc, CCRP]

Welcome to the Dermatology Expert Forum!

Before we approach you with the answer, could you please, tell us what diagnostic tools (such as biopsy, skin culture, etc.) were utilized by your doctor(s) in past, and what were the results? Also, what treatment was applied? Any success with it?

Thank you,
Dr. Jasmina Jankicevic