Health Encyclopedia

Granuloma annulare

Definition

Granuloma annulare is a long-term (chronic) skin disease consisting of a rash with reddish bumps arranged in a circle or ring.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Granuloma annulare most often affects children and young adults. It is slightly more common in girls.

The condition is usually seen in otherwise healthy people. Occasionally, it may be associated with diabetes or thyroid disease. Its cause is unknown.

Symptoms

Granuloma annulare usually causes no other symptoms, but the rash may be slightly itchy.

Patients usually notice a ring of small, firm bumps (papules) over the backs of the forearms, hands, or feet. Occasionally, multiple rings may be found.

Rarely, granuloma annulare may appear as a firm nodule under the skin of the arms or legs.

Signs and tests

Your physician may consider the diagnosis of fungal infection when looking at your skin. A skin scraping and KOH test can be used to tell the difference between granuloma annulare and a fungal infection.

A skin biopsy may also be necessary to confirm the diagnosis of granuloma annulare.

Treatment

Because granuloma annulare is usually asymptomatic (causes no symptoms), treatment may not be necessary except for cosmetic reasons.

Very strong topical steroid creams or ointments are sometimes used to speed the disappearance of the lesions. Injections of steroids directly into the rings may also be effective. Some physicians may choose to freeze the lesions with liquid nitrogen.

In severe cases, ultraviolet light therapy (PUVA) or oral medications may be needed.

Expectations (prognosis)

Most lesions of granuloma annulare disappear with no treatment within two years. Sometimes, however, the rings can remain for many years. The appearance of new rings years later is not uncommon.

Calling your health care provider

Call your physician if you notice a ring anywhere on your skin that does not go away within a few weeks.

References

Morelli JG. Diseases of the dermis. In: Kliegman RM, Behrman RE, Jenson HB, Stanton BF, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap. 658.

Review Date:7/11/2008
Reviewed By:Michael Lehrer, M.D., Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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