Granuloma Annulare is a chronic degenerative skin disorder. It’s most common form is the localized Granuloma Annulare. Its main characteristic is the presence of small but firm yellow or red colored bumps also known as papules or nodules and appear to be arranged in a ring formation on the skin. Granuloma Annulare tends to affect women more as compared to men.

Causes

Granuloma Annulare is most common in children and young adults but there is no exact reason as to its occurrence. Granuloma Annulare is hardly ever associated with diabetes. There is no evidence of its being caused by tuberculosis, collagen vascular disorder, trauma, herpes zoster. There is a weak association of Granuloma Annulare with drugs such as allopurinol, BCG vaccination or zalcitabine and also with viral infections like HIV, parvovirus B19, EBV, Hepatitis C.

Symptoms

Hands, fingers, knuckles, joints and feet are the most commonly affected areas. Predominantly found in areas which are frequently subjected to mild injuries. It is most often found in young adults and older children. The size of the lesion ranges from 1- 5 centimeters. The rashes of Granuloma Annulare appear on both sides of the body and are evenly spread. The bumps often grow bigger or join to form rings. The center of the rings formed by Granuloma Annulare may be a little depressed and pale or light brown in color. Generally there are no symptoms of Granuloma Annulare. The lesion related with granuloma annulare generally disappears without any treatment i.e. spontaneous remission. There are chances that the lesion may appear again. The symptoms of Granuloma Annulare can resemble other conditions so a doctor must be consulted for a diagnosis.

Treatment

In addition to a complete medical history and physical examination, diagnosis is usually confirmed with a skin biopsy (removing a small sample of tissue for examination under a microscope).

The treatment of Granuloma Annulare is generally difficult and apart from cosmetic aspect it is quite unnecessary. Cortisone creams have been used to cure Granuloma Annulare but a new and better way is the use of Cortisone injections. If left on its own Granuloma Annulare disappears on its own over a period of years. Occasionally Granuloma Annulare responds to topical cortisone preparations.

The physician will determine the treatment for Granuloma Annulare by looking at the following aspects.

·    The age of the patient, his overall health and his medical history.

·    The tolerance to specific treatment,medication and therapies.

·    The severity of the codition is also to be analysed before determining the treatment.