Granuloma annulare is a chronic skin rash with features of red lesions formed on the skin in the form of ring. There are several types of GA and localized granuloma is very common. Lesions may grow up to 5cm in diameter with firm nodules and is largely seen on ankles, feet, limbs and wrists. Generalized granuloma occurs only in adults and it affects neck, face, palms and even scalp. Subcutaneous granuloma is more prevalent in children and prdouces nodules without symptoms in hands, buttocks and eyelids. Perforating granuloma is very rare and is limited to hands and fingers.
Causes :
The exact cause of granuloma is not known. However it affects healthy as well as sick individuals. People having diabetics and thyroid problem are more prone to GA than others.
Symptoms Of Granuloma Annulare :
Except for lesions (reddish brown color) no other visible symptoms are observed in GA. For some people it may cause itching but will not cause pain. Ring like structures are found in hands, fingers and other infected parts of the body. Very rarely these lesions may spread to other parts. Lesions, in general get healed soon in winter and it worsens in summer months. The part in which lesions develop varies widely with the type of GA you have got. In case of generalized GA, it may grow up to 3-6 cm in diameter and affects your hands, soles and palms. Any type of GA increases in numbers when exposed to powerful sunrays and hence it is wise to stay away from sunlight.
Granuloma With Systemic Diseases :
Granuloma is associated with diabetics (Type 1) and also on patients with history of AIDS and herpes zoster. Still there is no supporting evidence to establish the association with systemic diseases. Again people with Hodgkin lymphoma and Non Hodgkin lymphoma are prone to get GA.
Diagnoses :
An expert doctor can identify the disorder on physical examination of the affected part. In some cases, he may ask you to take KOH test for differentiating Granuloma from ordinary fungal infection.
Pictures of Granuloma Annulare :
Images, Pics, Pictures and Photos of Granuloma Annulare
Treatment :
Since GA does not cause any problem to the affected person, it requires no treatment. You can apply steroid ointments to remove rashes on the parts of the body. Sometimes, if the rings are very intense, your doctor may give you a steroid shot directly on the affected part. They also use liquid nitrogen for electrocuting the bumps on the skin. Granuloma poses problem for cosmetic reasons and hence you need not visit the doctor urgently for taking treatment.
Oral medications and other forms of therapy are also available for clearing off lesions. Lesions can be successfully treated with cyclosporine, hydroxychloroquine, potassium iodide and dapsone. Most of the severe forms of lesions can be controlled using cryotherapy and by application of corticosteroids. Clobetasol ointment, Triamcinolone acetonide and Prednisone is effective in suppressing the lesions due to its anti-inflammatory property.