Granuloma Annulare - Treatment and Symptoms

Granuloma annulare is a skin disorder which is for very long duration this skin disease consists of a rash which are itchy with red colored bumps which are arranged in a shape of circle or ring. It appears most often over knuckles and other joints or in places that are subject to frequent, mild injury such as the back of the hands or top of the feet. It is seen most often in older children and young adults. Subcutaneous GA appears differently, as it is a disease of childhood in which deep dermal or subcutaneous nodules lie on or near the periosteum and are distributed on the feet, lower legs, fingers, hands, forearms, scalp, and forehead. The condition is usually seen in otherwise healthy people. Occasionally, it may be associated with diabetes or thyroid disease. Its cause is unknown.

What are the causes of Granuloma Annulare ?

Following are the causes of Granuloma Annulare :

Granuloma annulare most often affects children and young adults. It is slightly more common in girls.

• Granuloma annulare

• Etiology of childhood GA is unknown.

• No good evidence supports suggestions that trauma, tuberculosis, streptococcal infection, herpes zoster/varicella, collagen vascular disorder, or diabetes mellitus are causally related to GA. There are also weak associations with BCG vaccination, drugs such as allopurinol, zalcitabine, other viral infections such as EBV, HIV, Hepatitis C, parvovirus B19, autoimmune thyroiditis and malignant conditions.

• There is some evidence to suggest that GA is an immunologic disease in the form of delayed type hypersensitivity reaction.

Symptoms of granuloma annulare

Following are the symptoms of granuloma annulare

1)Granuloma annulare is usually asymptomatic, but the rash may be slightly itchy.

2)Patients usually notice a ring of small, firm bumps (papules) over the backs of the forearms, hands or feet. Occasionally, multiple rings may be found.

3)Rarely, granuloma annulare may appear as a firm nodule under the skin of the arms or legs.

Treatment of Granuloma Annulare

Following are the treatment for Granuloma Annulare

1)Granuloma annulare is usually asymptomatic, treatment may not be necessary except for cosmetic reasons.

2)Very strong topical steroid creams or ointments are sometimes used to speed the disappearance of the lesions.

3)Injections of steroids directly into the rings may also be effective.]

4) Some physicians may choose to freeze the lesions with liquid nitrogen.

5)In severe cases, ultraviolet light therapy (PUVA) or oral medications may be needed.

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