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Granuloma annulare
Pseudorheumatoid nodule - subcutaneous granuloma annulare; GA
Granuloma annulare (GA) is a long-term ( chronic ) skin disease consisting of a rash with reddish bumps arranged in a circle or ring.
Chronic
Chronic refers to something that continues over an extended period of time. A chronic condition is usually long-lasting and does not easily or quick...
Causes
GA most often affects children and young adults. It is slightly more common in females.
The condition is usually seen in otherwise healthy people. Sometimes, it may be associated with diabetes or thyroid disease. The exact cause of GA is unknown.
Diabetes
Diabetes is a chronic disease in which the body cannot regulate the amount of sugar in the blood.
Symptoms
GA usually causes no other symptoms, but the rash may be slightly itchy.
People usually notice a ring of small, firm bumps (papules) over the backs of the forearms, hands, or feet. Occasionally, they may find a number of rings.
In rare cases, GA appears as a firm nodule under the skin of the arms or legs. In some cases, the rash spreads all over the body.
Exams and Tests
Your health care provider may think you have a fungal infection when looking at your skin as the ring shape may look like ringworm . A skin scraping and KOH test can be used to tell the difference between GA and a fungal infection.
Ringworm
Ringworm is a skin infection due to a fungus or yeast. Often, there are several patches of ringworm on the skin at once. The medical name for ringw...
KOH test
The skin lesion KOH exam is a test to diagnose a fungal infection of the skin.
You may also need a skin punch biopsy to confirm the diagnosis of GA.
Skin punch biopsy
A skin lesion biopsy is when a small amount of skin is removed so it can be examined. The skin is tested to look for skin conditions or diseases. A...
Treatment
GA can resolve on its own. You may not need treatment for GA, except for cosmetic reasons. Very strong steroid creams or ointments are sometimes used to clear up the rash more quickly. Injections of steroids directly into the rings may also be effective. Some providers may choose to freeze the bumps with liquid nitrogen.
People with severe or widespread cases may need ultraviolet light therapy or medicines that suppress the immune system.
Outlook (Prognosis)
Most GA disappears without treatment within 2 years. But, the rings can remain for many years. The appearance of new rings years later is not uncommon.
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Call your provider if you notice a ring anywhere on your skin that does not go away within a few weeks.
References
Habif TP. Cutaneous manifestations of internal disease. In: Habif TP, ed. Clinical Dermatology . 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2016:chap 26.
Patterson JW. The granulomatous reaction pattern. In: Patterson JW, ed. Weedon's Skin Pathology . 4th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone; 2016:chap 7.
Recica HF, Iichyshyn A. Granuloma annulare. In: Lebwohl MG, Heymann WR, Jones-Berth J, Coulson I, eds. Treatment of Skin Disease: Comprehensive Therapeutic Strategies . 4th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2014:chap 91.
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Granuloma annulare - close-up - illustration
Granuloma annulare is usually a self-limiting disorder characterized by raised lesions arranged in an annular shape. While this disease can occur at any age, it is usually found in children or young adults. The disorder can range from mild to severe and localized to generalized. The raised lesions are usually flesh colored to a red-purple. This picture shows a close-up of a granuloma annulare that is subcutaneous (deeper). It demonstrates the shape of the lesion as well as the color.
Granuloma annulare - close-up
illustration
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Granuloma annulare on the eyelid - illustration
Granuloma annulare is usually a self-limiting disorder characterized by raised lesions arranged in an annulare shape. While this disease can occur at any age, it is usually found in children or young adults. The disorder can range from mild to severe and localized to generalized. The raised lesions are usually flesh colored to a red-purple. This picture shows a small granuloma on the eyelid.
Granuloma annulare on the eyelid
illustration
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Granuloma annulare on the elbow - illustration
This is a picture of granuloma annulare on the elbow. Granuloma annulare is usually a self-limiting disorder characterized by red to flesh colored patches (plaques) arranged in a circular (annulare) shape. While this disease can occur at any age, it is usually found in children or young adults. The disorder can range from mild to severe and localized to generalized.
Granuloma annulare on the elbow
illustration
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Granuloma annulare on the legs - illustration
This is a picture of granuloma annulare on the shins. Granuloma annulare is usually a self-limiting disorder characterized by red to flesh colored patches (plaques) arranged in a circular (annulare) shape. While this disease can occur at any age, it is usually found in children or young adults. The disorder can range from mild to severe and localized to generalized.
Granuloma annulare on the legs
illustration
-
Granuloma annulare - close-up - illustration
Granuloma annulare is usually a self-limiting disorder characterized by raised lesions arranged in an annular shape. While this disease can occur at any age, it is usually found in children or young adults. The disorder can range from mild to severe and localized to generalized. The raised lesions are usually flesh colored to a red-purple. This picture shows a close-up of a granuloma annulare that is subcutaneous (deeper). It demonstrates the shape of the lesion as well as the color.
Granuloma annulare - close-up
illustration
-
Granuloma annulare on the eyelid - illustration
Granuloma annulare is usually a self-limiting disorder characterized by raised lesions arranged in an annulare shape. While this disease can occur at any age, it is usually found in children or young adults. The disorder can range from mild to severe and localized to generalized. The raised lesions are usually flesh colored to a red-purple. This picture shows a small granuloma on the eyelid.
Granuloma annulare on the eyelid
illustration
-
Granuloma annulare on the elbow - illustration
This is a picture of granuloma annulare on the elbow. Granuloma annulare is usually a self-limiting disorder characterized by red to flesh colored patches (plaques) arranged in a circular (annulare) shape. While this disease can occur at any age, it is usually found in children or young adults. The disorder can range from mild to severe and localized to generalized.
Granuloma annulare on the elbow
illustration
-
Granuloma annulare on the legs - illustration
This is a picture of granuloma annulare on the shins. Granuloma annulare is usually a self-limiting disorder characterized by red to flesh colored patches (plaques) arranged in a circular (annulare) shape. While this disease can occur at any age, it is usually found in children or young adults. The disorder can range from mild to severe and localized to generalized.
Granuloma annulare on the legs
illustration
Review Date: 4/29/2016
Reviewed By: Kevin Berman, MD, PhD, Atlanta Center for Dermatologic Disease, Atlanta, GA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
