Granuloma annulare is a skin disorder that caused raised lesions on the hands and feet. It is a rare skin condition causing itchy skin. What exactly triggers this condition is not known, but often the lesions are harmless and disappear without wanting any treatment. GA can occur in any age group and sex and is categorized under dermatosis.
Granuloma Annulare Types :
There are 4 types of granuloma annulare (GA) differing in the aspect of size and the site it occurs on the body.
- Localized – This form causes skin or flesh colored lesions that measure roughly 5cm in diameter. It exists in the form of distinct ring like pattern on the upper surface of the skin or epidermis. Localized GA is often seen on the wrists, lower limbs, ankles and the feet like annular rings with raised papules in it.
- Generalized – This kind of GA occurs in adults commonly. It can occur anywhere in the body as the name suggests, but is often marked to extremities (hands and feet), face and neck. The lesions appear as annular plaques showing variations in color from pink to violet.
- Subcutaneous GA – This kind commonly occurs in children in the form of firm, raised nodules in the deep dermis region. The size of each lesion may range from 5mm to 4cm in circumference and is largely seen on the areas of hands, feet, ankles, buttocks, eyelids and even on the head.
- Perforating GA – It is a rare kind of GA restricting to hands and fingers causing raised bumps oozing out fluid and leaves a scar after healing.
Symptoms :
- Symptoms of GA vary as per the type and the site of infection.
- The bumps or lesions are round shaped with raised defined patches seen on the feet and hands of the affected person. In some children it can occur on the ankles and wrists.
- Generalized GA can be itchy and painful which occurs largely on the arms, legs and trunk.
- Subcutaneous GA occurs under the skin of young children and spreads like that of a rash. Here the lesions are smaller in size and it can be itchy.
- The color of the lesions may range from skin color to orange and dark pink.