Granuloma annulare: pictures in high resolution and clinical information

Granuloma annulare

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granuloma annulare on the back of the hand

Granuloma annulare - a short introduction.

What is granuloma annulare?
Granuloma annulare is a harmless condition of unknown cause which affects the skin of people in all age groups. Granuloma annulare is a not uncommon condition that can occur on any site of the body. Granuloma annulare may cause no symptoms, but affected skin may sometimes be tender.

Symptoms of granuloma annulare
Granuloma annulare presents with a ring of small, firm bumps (papules) over the backs of the forearms, hands or feet, often centered around joints or knuckles. Occasionally, multiple rings may be found and also spreading to other skin areas may occur. Rarely, granuloma annulare may appear as a firm nodule under the surface of the skin.

What is the cause of granuloma annulare?
The exact cause of granuloma annulare is not known. Granuloma annulare is usually seen in otherwise healthy people. However, it may occasionaly be associated with diabetes or thyroid disease.

Treatment
Often granuloma annulare will disappear after a few weeks or months without scarring. Sometimes, however, it will persist for years. In most cases treatment is not necessary Sometimes it is helpful to apply a strong steroid preparation to the skin or steroids can be injected into the bumps themselves. Small plaques can be frozen (cryotherapy).

granuloma annulare looking like warts on the hand