Everyone Healthy Library
Granuloma Annulare
Condition / disease reference page from the Everyone Healthy database.
Connected health information
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Condition overview
Attributes
Commonalityis rare
Linked signs and symptoms
0No related signs or symptoms are listed yet.
Linked drugs / medications
0No linked drugs are listed yet.
Treatments, therapies and supportive options
0Grouped by treatment type. These are educational database links, not personal treatment recommendations. Evidence labels are shown only where stored in the EH database.
No linked treatment or supportive options are listed yet.
Linked diagnostic tests and investigations
1These are pulled from both EH diagnostic-test link tables, including the older large test-link table.
Biological and test markers
1This visual map uses existing EH database links to show biological agents and lab markers reported as increased, decreased, or associated with this condition. These are educational relationships only; test results must be interpreted by a qualified clinician because ranges vary by lab, method, age, sex and clinical context.
Often decreased
0No markers in this group.
Other associated markers
0No markers in this group.
Introduction / full article
Granuloma Annulare
Granuloma annulare
Granuloma annulare is a chronic skin disease consisting of a rash with reddish bumps arranged in a circle or ring. Granuloma annulare is different from warts, and cryotherapy treatment will not work. It most often affects children, young and older adults and it is slightly more common in females (60/40 ratio).
Causes
The condition is usually seen in otherwise healthy people. Occasionally, it may be associated with diabetes or thyroid disease.
Presentation
Granuloma annulare is usually asymptomatic, but the rash may burn and be itchy. Patients usually notice a ring of small, firm bumps (papules) over the backs of the forearms, hands or feet, often centered around joints or knuckles. The bumps are caused by the clustering of T cells below the skin. Occasionally, multiple rings may be found. Rarely, granuloma annulare may appear as a firm nodule under the skin of the arms or legs.
Prognosis
Because granuloma annulare is usually asymptomatic, treatment may not be necessary except for cosmetic reasons. Most lesions of granuloma annulare disappear in pre-pubertal patients with no treatment within two years while older patients (50+) have rings for upwards of 20 years. The appearance of new rings years later is not uncommon.