Granuloma Annulare: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment

It may be localized on hands or feet, widespread, or appear as subcutaneous nodules in children. Lesions can persist for a long time or recur after improvement.

Related reading: Distinguishing eczema from other skin eruptions.

Smooth skin-colored or reddish bumps form rings, usually without prominent scaling. Lesions may be symptom-free or itchy, particularly in generalized disease.

The exact cause is unknown. Minor skin injury or other triggers may precede it. Associations with certain illnesses do not mean every affected person has a systemic disease.

Different age groups can be affected. Associated illnesses are considered according to symptoms, age and extent; not every ring-shaped lesion needs extensive testing or automatic cancer screening.

A dermatologist examines the appearance and distribution and may take a biopsy for atypical lesions. Targeted assessment helps distinguish fungal and other ring-shaped eruptions.

Observation is reasonable for limited, untroublesome disease. Topical or intralesional treatments may help; more widespread disease can warrant other options, with variable response and recurrence.

Appearance can cause emotional distress or pigment change, while some treatments have skin side effects. It does not spread through touch and does not require isolation.

There is no proven prevention. Avoid picking lesions or using unprescribed strong steroid mixtures before the rash is diagnosed, since other conditions can look similar.