A chronic skin condition known as granuloma annulare can affect your self-esteem and appearance by causing raised, discolored patches or bumps on your skin. Granuloma annulare isn't harmful or contagious, but it can affect your appearance. This blog post explains what causes it, how to recognize its symptoms, what it means to diagnose it, what it means to treat it, and how to avoid it.
The exact cause of granuloma annulare is unknown, but it may be related to an immune system reaction to certain triggers, such as:
Infections, such as viral or bacterial infections.
Insect bites, such as from mosquitoes or ticks.
Vaccinations, such as for hepatitis B or tuberculosis.
Medications, such as allopurinol or isotretinoin.
Skin injuries, such as cuts, burns, or tattoos.
Granuloma annulare is more common in children and young adults, especially females. It may also be associated with other conditions, such as diabetes, thyroid disease, or HIV.
The main symptom of Granuloma annulare is a ring-shaped or circular rash containing small, firm, red or purple bumps on the hands, feet, elbows, knees, or ankles, but it can occur anywhere on the body. Itchy or painless, the rash may last for months or years. Over time, the rash may also change in size, color, or number.
There are different types of granuloma annulare, depending on the appearance and location of the rash. These include:
Localized granuloma annulare, which is the most common type and affects only one area of the skin.
Generalized granuloma annulare, which affects large areas of the skin and may have more than one ring-shaped rash.
Subcutaneous granuloma annulare, which causes lumps under the skin that may feel like rubbery nodules.
Perforating granuloma annulare, which causes the bumps to break through the skin and form crusts or ulcers.
Patch granuloma annulare, which causes flat, reddish-brown patches on the skin that may resemble eczema or psoriasis.
In order to diagnose granuloma annulare, your doctor will examine your skin and ask you about your medical history. In addition to examining your skin under a microscope, your doctor may also perform a skin biopsy. In addition to confirming the diagnosis, a skin biopsy can rule out other skin conditions that look similar, such as ringworm, sarcoidosis, or lupus.
Granuloma annulare often goes away on its own without any treatment, but it may take months or years to disappear completely. If the rash bothers you, your doctor may prescribe some treatments to improve its appearance and reduce any discomfort. These treatments may include:
Topical corticosteroids, which are creams or ointments that reduce inflammation and itching.
Corticosteroid injections, which are shots that deliver a high dose of medication directly into the rash and help it heal faster.
Oral medications, such as antimalarials, antibiotics, or immunosuppressants, that affect the immune system and may prevent new rashes from forming.
Light therapy, which uses ultraviolet rays to shrink the rash and stimulate the skin’s healing process.
Cryotherapy, which uses liquid nitrogen to freeze and destroy the rash.
Laser therapy, which uses a focused beam of light to vaporize the rash.
Some of these treatments may have side effects, such as skin thinning, bruising, infection, or scarring. Your doctor will discuss the benefits and risks of each treatment option with you and help you choose the best one for your condition and preferences.
There is no sure way to prevent granuloma annulare, but you may reduce your risk by avoiding or managing the possible triggers, such as:
Keeping your skin clean and moisturized to prevent infections and injuries.
Wearing protective clothing and insect repellent to prevent insect bites.
Following your doctor’s advice on vaccinations and medications that may cause granuloma annulare.
Controlling your blood sugar levels if you have diabetes.
Treating any underlying conditions that may be associated with granuloma annulare, such as thyroid disease or HIV.
In addition to causing a ring-shaped or circular rash on the skin, granuloma annulare is not harmful or contagious, but it can affect your self-esteem and appearance. Granuloma annulare is unknown to cause, but it may be the result of an immune system response to certain triggers. An examination and biopsy are used to diagnose the condition. The treatment focuses on improving the appearance of the rash and reducing its discomfort. Granuloma annulare largely goes away on its own, but it can take a long time to disappear completely. Prevention involves avoiding or managing the possible triggers.
