Fortunately, necrolytic migratory erythema is pretty rare.

Necrolytic migratory erythema, hyperglycemia, and venous thrombosis comprise a virtually diagnostic triad.

Necrolytic migratory erythema (NME) is a classical symptom observed in patients with glucagonoma and is the presenting problem in 70% of cases.

Necrolytic migratory erythema (NME) is a red, blistering rash that spreads across the skin, particularly the lower abdomen, buttocks, perineum, and groin.

Abnormally elevated levels of glucagon may be caused by pancreatic tumors, such as glucagonoma, symptoms of which include necrolytic migratory erythema, reduced amino acids, and hyperglycemia.

One of these, involving the alpha cells, causes over-secretion of glucagon, resulting in a classic triad of high blood glucose levels (hyperglycemia), a rash called necrolytic migratory erythema, and weight loss.

NME is considered part of the glucagonoma syndrome, which is associated with hyperglucagonemia, diabetes mellitus, and hypoaminoacidemia.

Alpha cell tumors are commonly associated with glucagonoma syndrome, though similar symptoms are present in cases of pseudoglucagonoma syndrome in the absence of a glucagon-secreting tumor.