This ring-like lesion is smooth and without scaling, typical of granuloma annulare.
This ring-like lesion is smooth and without scaling, typical of granuloma annulare.
This image displays a small, smooth, round, slightly elevated lesion typical of granuloma annulare.
This image displays a small, smooth, round, slightly elevated lesion typical of granuloma annulare.
This image displays a smooth, light pink, ring-like, slightly elevated lesion typical of granuloma annulare.
This image displays a smooth, light pink, ring-like, slightly elevated lesion typical of granuloma annulare.
This image displays a smooth, ring-like lesion typical of granuloma annulare.
This image displays a smooth, ring-like lesion typical of granuloma annulare.
Granuloma annulare has non-scaling, round, ring-like skin lesions.
Granuloma annulare has non-scaling, round, ring-like skin lesions.
This image displays the raised edge typical of granuloma annulare as well as multiple lesions, combining the ring shapes.
This image displays the raised edge typical of granuloma annulare as well as multiple lesions, combining the ring shapes.
This image displays subtle ring shapes in a child with granuloma annulare.
This image displays subtle ring shapes in a child with granuloma annulare.
This image displays the tops of a hand and foot affected by granuloma annulare.
This image displays the tops of a hand and foot affected by granuloma annulare.
This image displays granuloma annulare on the elbow.
This image displays granuloma annulare on the elbow.

Images of Granuloma Annulare (9)

This ring-like lesion is smooth and without scaling, typical of granuloma annulare.
This image displays a small, smooth, round, slightly elevated lesion typical of granuloma annulare.
This image displays a smooth, light pink, ring-like, slightly elevated lesion typical of granuloma annulare.
This image displays a smooth, ring-like lesion typical of granuloma annulare.
Granuloma annulare has non-scaling, round, ring-like skin lesions.
This image displays the raised edge typical of granuloma annulare as well as multiple lesions, combining the ring shapes.
This image displays subtle ring shapes in a child with granuloma annulare.
This image displays the tops of a hand and foot affected by granuloma annulare.
This image displays granuloma annulare on the elbow.

Granuloma Annulare

Granuloma annulare is a common skin condition that appears as papules (small, solid bumps) that may form smooth, ring-shaped plaques (flat areas that are larger than a thumbnail) over the joints and the backs of the hands. The cause is not known, and most outbreaks of granuloma annulare go away after a few years with or without treatment.



Who's At Risk?

Although granuloma annulare can occur in people of any race / ethnicity and at any age, it is most commonly seen in children and young adults. Females are slightly more likely than males to develop granuloma annulare.

Signs & Symptoms

Granuloma annulare occurs most frequently over the joints or in areas that have had a mild injury. The most common locations for granuloma annulare include:

  • The backs of the hands and tops of the fingers.
  • The tops of the feet.
  • Around the elbows.
  • Around the knees.

However, other areas of the skin may also be affected. The lesions of granuloma annulare are usually found in the same areas on both sides of the body (symmetrically).

Granuloma annulare appears as papules that may occur singly or in groups, and they may form ring-shaped plaques. The center of the plaque may be lighter or darker than your normal skin color. Healed lesions of granuloma annulare do not leave scars.

Granuloma annulare is usually asymptomatic, but your child may experience itch.

Granuloma annulare may be skin-colored in skin of any color; it may appear pink, light brown, red-brown, or light purple in lighter skin colors; or it may be pink, brown, or purple in darker skin colors.

Self-Care Guidelines

If the lesions of granuloma annulare are itchy, an over-the-counter cortisone (eg, Cortaid) cream may be helpful.

Treatments

If the diagnosis is not obvious, a dermatologist may perform a skin biopsy.

Once the diagnosis of granuloma annulare is confirmed, you and your medical professional may decide to not treat it as many cases of granuloma annulare can clear up within 2 years, even without treatment.

If the lesions of granuloma annulare cause discomfort or are widespread or cosmetically bothersome, your child’s medical professional may try:

  • A prescription-strength steroid cream.
  • Steroid injections directly into the lesions or freezing with liquid nitrogen (cryotherapy). These treatments may be somewhat painful. Additionally, in darker skin colors, these treatments may leave an area of lighter skin color.

Visit Urgency

If your child has bumps or a ring-shaped lesion on the skin for more than a few weeks, see their medical professional or a dermatologist.

Trusted Links

References

Bolognia J, Schaffer JV, Cerroni L. Dermatology. 4th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2018.

James WD, Elston D, Treat JR, Rosenbach MA. Andrew’s Diseases of the Skin. 13th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2019.

Kang S, Amagai M, Bruckner AL, et al. Fitzpatrick’s Dermatology. 9th ed. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Education; 2019.

Paller A, Mancini A. Paller and Mancini: Hurwitz Clinical Pediatric Dermatology. 6th ed. St. Louis, MO: Elsevier; 2022.

Disease Groups: Skin Problems Related to Diabetes

Last modified on February 28th, 2023 at 3:49 pm

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