Granuloma annulare is a kind of chronic skin disorder characterized by the raised, reddish and bumps that may come up either individually or in groups on the skin. The hands and feet are prone to this skin disorder.

Though granuloma annulare can affect people in any age, it has been commonly found in kids and young adults. Granuloma annulare is a chronic skin condition consisting of raised, reddish or skin-colored bumps (lesions) that form ring patterns, usually on your hands and feet. Except unsightly lesions, the condition shows no other signs or symptoms. The factors behind granuloma annulare are still not known.

Granuloma annulare may be reddish or pearly white. In some cases its color can be similar to the skin color while in other cases it can have a purple color.

Granuloma annulare is generally constitutes an isolated area but it can be apparent in forms of so many bumps or lesions affected the entire body. The lesions often appear in hands, feet, elbows and knees.

Granuloma annulare initially appears as rounded, solid and smooth bump or lesion, which later becomes ring-shaped having a clear center. It often remains unseen since it does not usually peel or itch.

Granuloma annulare is sometimes mistakenly diagnosed as ringworm. Its appearance also resembles insect bites. In some cases its lesion may look like that of Lyme disease (also known as erythema migrans). Considering similarity of its condition with other diseases, it is necessary for you to consult dermatologist or skin specialist for correct diagnosis.

Factors causing granuloma annulare

Though exact causes behind occurrence of granuloma annulare is not still known, yet it is often considered to be an outcome of a type of immune reaction. Researchers are trying to find out if granuloma annulare is related to diabetes or thyroid disease.

Medical experts are of the view that no internal disease is involved with granuloma annulare and that it is not generally considered to be an illness. However, your doctor (skin specialist) may advice some blood work considering relation of granuloma annulare with other problems. Granuloma annulare usually does not show any sign except spot on the skin that may vanish later without leaving a scar.

Granuloma Annulare Symptoms

Red or skin-colored bumps forming a ring and commonly affecting hands and feet.

The ring shaped lesions are confused as ringworm.

The condition in few cases may be mildly itchy, although the lesions are not usually painful or itching.

The lesions, which are unsightly, may vanish within few weeks and appear again later.

The aggravation of the condition it is known as generalized granuloma annulare. In such a case the lesions become smaller and lesion rings affect a large part of the body commonly causing itchiness.

Diagnosis of granuloma annulare

Your dermatologist may conduct a visual inspection to determine the nature or type of the lesion. A biopsy, in which a tiny sample of skin is collected for microscopic examination may also be required for confirmation of the diagnosis.

When to see a doctor?

Consult your doctor if you notice that ring shaped reddish bumps on your skin do not disappear within few weeks.

How to treat granuloma annulare?

Many cases of granuloma annulare don't usually need treatment as lesions usually go away on their own after few years.

Corticosteroid creams: If you are concerned about appearance of your skin your doctor may advice you to apply corticosteroid creams or ointment for improvement of the look of the skin by speeding up the process for disappearance of lesions.

Corticosteroid injections: In case lesions look thicker with greater symptoms, your doctor may feel the need of injection of corticosteroids such as triamcinolone into the area of skin affected by the condition so as to speed up the process of disappearance of lesions.

Cryotherapy: Your doctor may feel the need for applying liquid nitrogen to the affected skin with the use of a cotton-tipped applicator. The liquid nitrogen stimulates fresh development of cells into your skin after freezing the lesions and removing them. This is one of the effective granuloma annulare treatment.

Light therapy: In case of granuloma annulare turns into a more severe condition, called generalized granuloma annulare, your doctor may feel the need of treating you with psoralen plus ultraviolet A (PUVA). However, the reactions similar to that of sunburn can be the major side effect of PUVA.