Granuloma
Annulare
What is
it?
Granuloma
annulare is chronic skin disorder characterized by
small, non-itchy bumps in a ring formation.
Who gets
it?
Granuloma
annulare occurs in children and adults.
What
causes it?
The cause
of granuloma annulare is unknown. However, there may
be a link to skin trauma and sun exposure.
What are
the symptoms?
The
symptoms of granuloma annulare are small bumps,
usually flesh colored, red, or bluish-red. The bumps
form a ring with a depressed or normal middle, and
usually appear on the hands, elbows, feet, or legs.
There may be just one ring, or many. In some people,
the bumps appear after sun exposure. This condition is
benign (non-cancerous).
How is it
diagnosed?
Granuloma
annulare is diagnosed by appearance through a skin
exam.
What is
the treatment?
In most
cases, granuloma annulare goes away on its own and no
treatment is needed. However, because it is a chronic
condition, the rash may reappear. Your doctor may
recommend applying a corticosteroid cream under a
waterproof bandage at night or receiving
corticosteroid injections to help the rash heal
faster.
Self-care
tips
There is no
known way to prevent granuloma annulare. See your
dermatologist any time you have an unexplained change
in your skin.
This information has been designed as a comprehensive and quick reference
guide written by our health care reviewers. The health information written
by our authors is intended to be a supplement to the care provided by your
physician. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for
professional medical advice.
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