Description

Granuloma annulare (high-or-LOW-muh a-u-LAR-e) is a skin condition that causes a raised rash or bumps in a ring pattern. The most common type affecting young adults, usually in the hands and feet.

Minor injuries of the skin and some medications might trigger the disease. It is not contagious and is usually not painful, but it can make you feel self-conscious. And if it becomes a long-term condition, it can cause emotional distress.

The treatment can lighten the skin gradually, but the bumps tend to come back. Without treatment, the condition can last from a few weeks to decades.

Symptoms

The signs and symptoms of granuloma annulare may vary, depending on the type of:

  • Located. This is the most common type of granuloma annulare. The eruption boundaries are circular or semi-circular, with a diameter of up to 2 inches (5 centimeters). The eruption occurs most often in the hands, the feet, the wrists and the ankles of the young adults.
  • Widespread. This type is rare and usually affects adults. Cause bumps that form an eruption in the greater part of the body, including the trunk, arms, and legs. The rash may cause discomfort or irritation.
  • Under the skin. A type that usually affects young children is the so-called granuloma annulare skin. It produces small, firm lumps under the skin, in place of an eruption. The lumps form on the hands, shins and the scalp.

When to see a doctor

Call your health care provider if you develop a rash or bumps in the ring pattern that does not go away within a couple of weeks.

Causes

It is not clear what causes granuloma annulare. Sometimes it is caused by:

  • Animal or insect bites
  • Infections, such as hepatitis
  • Tuberculin skin test
  • Vaccines
  • Exposure to the sun
  • The minor injuries of the skin
  • Medications

Granuloma annulare is not contagious.

Risk factors

Granuloma annulare may be associated with diabetes or thyroid disease, most often, when you have a lot of hits throughout the body. It is possible that, rarely, is related to cancer, especially in older people whose granuloma annulare is severe, does not respond to treatment or returns after cancer treatment.

Diagnosis

Your health care provider can diagnose granuloma annulare looking at the affected skin and taking a small skin sample (biopsy) for examination under a microscope.

Treatment

Granuloma annulare may clear on its own over time. The treatment might help to clarify the skin faster than if left without treatment, but the disease often returns. The blows that come back after treatment tend to occur in the same places, and 80% of that typically resolve within two years.

Without treatment, the condition can last for a couple of weeks or decades.

The treatment options include:

  • Corticosteroid creams or ointments. Prescription-strength products can help to remove the skin faster. Your health care provider may tell you to cover the cream with a bandage or an adhesive patch, to help the medication work better.
  • Injections of corticosteroids. If the skin is not clear with a medicated cream or ointment, your doctor may suggest an injection of corticosteroids. Repeat injections may be necessary every 6 to 8 weeks until the situation is cleared up.
  • Freezing. The application of liquid nitrogen to the affected area can help to eliminate the bumps.
  • The light therapy. Exposing the affected skin to certain types of light, including laser, is sometimes useful.
  • The oral medications. When the condition is very wide, your health care provider may prescribe medicine that is taken by mouth, such as antibiotics or antimalarials.

Coping and support

These coping methods can help to alleviate the anguish of living with granuloma annulare long-term:

  • Routinely reach out to friends and family members.
  • Join a local or to the reputation of an internet-based support group.

Preparing for your appointment

It is likely to start by seeing your primary care provider, who may refer you to a specialist in skin diseases (dermatologist).

What you can do

Before your appointment, you might want from the list of answers to the following questions:

  • You have recently traveled to a new area or spent a lot of time outdoors?
  • Do you have pets, or you have recently had contact with new animals?
  • Are the members of the family or friends, that have similar symptoms?
  • What medications or supplements that you take regularly?

What to expect from your doctor

Your health care provider is likely to ask a series of questions, such as those listed below. Be ready to answer them may reserve time to go over any points you want to spend more time on.

  • When did your skin condition to appear for the first time?
  • Does your rash cause any kind of discomfort? Do they bite?
  • The symptoms get worse or stayed the same over time?
  • Has been the treatment of your skin condition with any type of medications or creams?
  • Nothing looks better or worse — your symptoms?
  • You have other health problems, such as diabetes or thyroid problems?
Symptoms and treatment of Granuloma annulare