Granuloma annulare
Granuloma annulare Causes
The cause of granuloma annulare is not known. Granuloma annulare is occasionally linked to diabetes, thyroid disease and HIV infection, but most people with granuloma annulare are otherwise healthy.
Granuloma annulare Definition
Granuloma annulare is a chronic skin condition consisting of raised, reddish or skin-colored bumps (lesions) that form ring patterns, typically on the hands and feet.
Granuloma annulare Diagnosis
To rule out a fungal infection, the doctor may recommend a procedure called a KOH test. In this test, the doctor scrapes the patient's skin with a glass slide to collect dead skin cells. The skin cells are mixed with potassium hydroxide (KOH) and viewed under a microscope to aid in singling out a fungal infection.
Granuloma annulare Symptoms and Signs
Granuloma annulare is generally marked by reddish or skin-colored bumps (lesions) that expand or join to form ring patterns, most commonly on the hands and feet. These patterns may resemble ringworm. Another symptoms is mild itching in some people, though the lesions usually cause no pain or itching.
Granuloma annulare Treatment
In most cases, no treatment is needed for granuloma annulare. Most lesions disappear on their own within a few months to two years from the onset. The following may be prescribed by the patient's doctor for the rash: corticosteroid creams or ointments, corticosteroid injections, and freezing lesions.