Overview
Granuloma annulare is a skin condition characterized by raised bumps or rashes in a ring pattern. The most common type affects young adults, usually appearing on the hands and feet. The condition is not contagious and is generally not painful, but it can cause emotional distress due to self-consciousness. Treatment may help clear the skin, but the bumps tend to return over time. Granuloma annulare can be triggered by minor skin injuries, certain medicines, and other factors like sun exposure or vaccinations. While it is not linked to a specific cause, the condition may be related to diabetes or thyroid disease in some cases.
Understanding the disease
Symptoms
The symptoms of granuloma annulare, the most common type, include a raised rash or bumps in a ring pattern, usually on the hands and feet. The rash borders are circular or semicircular, with a diameter up to 2 inches (5 centimeters). The rash is not contagious and is usually not painful, but it can cause emotional distress, especially if it becomes a long-term condition. Treatment might clear the skin gradually, but the bumps tend to come back. Untreated, the condition might last from a few weeks to decades. for granulomatosis with polyangiitis.
Risk Factors
Granuloma annulare is not contagious. It can be related to diabetes or thyroid disease, most often when you have many bumps all over the body. It may, rarely, be related to cancer, especially in older people whose granuloma annulare is severe, doesn't respond to treatment or returns after cancer treatment.
Development
Granuloma annulare develops due to the growth of small collections of inflammatory cells called granulomas. The exact cause of granuloma annulare is not known, but it is believed to be related to minor skin injuries, some medicines, and a weakened immune system. The rash typically forms in a ring pattern and can occur on the hands, feet, wrists, and ankles. There are two main types of granuloma annulare: localized and generalized. Localized granuloma annulare is the most common type and usually affects young adults. It causes raised bumps in a ring pattern, with a diameter of up to 2 inches. The rash is not usually painful, but it can cause emotional distress if it becomes a long-term condition. Generalized granuloma annulare is less common and usually affects adults. It causes bumps that form a rash on most of the body, including the trunk, arms, and legs. Subcutaneous granuloma annulare, which affects young children, produces small, firm lumps under the skin instead of a rash.
Assessment and Diagnosis
Triage
You should see a doctor if granuloma annulare is suspected, especially if you have a runny nose that doesn't respond to over-the-counter cold medicines and is accompanied by nosebleeds and pus-like material, coughing up blood, or other warning signs of granulomatosis with polyangiitis. Early diagnosis is key to getting effective treatment.
Diagnosis
To diagnose granuloma annulare, a healthcare provider may examine the affected skin and take a small skin sample (biopsy) to examine under a microscope.
Management and Treatment
Complications
It is generally considered a benign condition and is not typically associated with significant complications. However, if the condition persists for an extended period, it may cause emotional distress due to the appearance of the rash.
Home Remedies
Please consult a healthcare provider if the rash or bumps in a ring pattern do not go away within a few weeks.
Treatment
Treatment for granuloma annulare primarily focuses on managing symptoms and making the skin appearance more aesthetically pleasing. There is no specific cure for granuloma annulare, but treatment options can help improve the appearance of the bumps and reduce emotional distress. Here are some common treatment approaches:
- Topical corticosteroids: These creams or ointments can help reduce inflammation and itching. They are applied directly to the affected area and are available with a prescription or over-the-counter.
- Topical retinoids: Retinoids can help improve skin appearance by reducing inflammation and promoting the shedding of skin cells. These are available with a prescription.
- Phototherapy: In more severe cases, phototherapy using ultraviolet B (UVB) light can help reduce the symptoms and appearance of granuloma annulare. This treatment is usually done under a dermatologist's supervision.
- Laser therapy: Some studies have shown that laser therapy can be effective in reducing the appearance of granuloma annulare. This treatment is usually done in a dermatologist's office. It is important to note that the bumps may reappear after treatment, especially if the underlying cause is not addressed. In some cases, the condition resolves on its own without treatment. However, it's always best to consult a dermatologist for proper diagnosis and guidance on the most suitable treatment plan.