Information From Your Health Care Provider

GRANULOMA ANNULARE

Basic information

description

Granuloma annulare (GA) is a common and chronic skin disorder. It can involve the skin on the bottoms of feet and backs of fingers, hands, arms, elbows, legs, and knees. The skin area affected may be small (localized) or widespread (generalized) over the body. GA can affect all ages but is common in children and young adults. Females are more often affected than males.

FREQUENT SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

Small, raised bumps (lesions) on the skin.
Bumps have a domed or slightly flat shape. Their color may vary on different people. Bumps may be skin-colored, reddish, bluish, or yellowish.
They don't hurt, and usually don't itch.
The bumps cluster in a ring. Bumps around the ring border are close, but don't grow completely together. This gives the border a beaded appearance. The ring's center is often darker than the edge.
The appearance may change in size and shape over a few weeks to 6 months.

causes

Unknown.

risk increases with

May be associated with diabetes.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES

No specific preventive measures.

expected outcomes

The disorder will heal on its own, but it usually takes months to years. The disorder may also recur with no apparent cause or timing.

possible complications

No complications are expected.

diagnosis & treatment

general measures

Your health care provider can diagnose the disorder by an exam of the affected skin area. In some cases, other medical tests are done to confirm the diagnosis.
In many cases, the disorder is mild and treatment is not needed.
Treatment options include drug therapy, PUVA, or cryotherapy. Currently, there is no effective treatment that works for everyone. Your health care provider will discuss the different options with you.
Cryotherapy is the use of liquid nitrogen to freeze the bumps. It may be used for localized GA.
You may use cosmetics or fake-tan products to help hide the affected skin areas.

medications

Steroid creams or ointments to be applied to the skin may be prescribed.
Your health care provider may inject steroids directly into the bumps.
One or more types of oral drugs may be prescribed for moderate to severe cases.
A treatment called PUVA may be recommended. It combines a special light with a cream applied to the skin.

activity

No limits.

diet

No special diet.

notify our office if

You or a family member has symptoms of granuloma annulare.
The disorder recurs.