Granuloma annulare is a benign, chronic, idiopathic condition characterized by papules or nodules that spread peripherally to form a ring around normal or slightly depressed skin.

Skin Lesion (Annular)

Etiology

Etiology is unclear but proposed mechanisms include cell-mediated immunity (type IV), immune complex vasculitis, and an abnormality of tissue monocytes. Granuloma annulare is not associated with systemic disorders, except that the incidence of abnormal glucose metabolism is increased among adults with many lesions. In some cases, exposure to sunlight, insect bites, TB skin testing, BCG vaccination, trauma, Borrelia infection, and viral infections have induced disease flares. The condition is twice as prevalent among women.

Symptoms and Signs

Lesions are erythematous, yellowish tan, bluish, or the color of the surrounding skin; one or more lesions may occur, most often on dorsal feet, legs, hands, or fingers. They are usually asymptomatic but may occasionally be tender. The lesions often expand or join to form rings. The center of each ring may be a slightly depressed, pale or light brown. In some cases, lesions may become generalized and widespread.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is usually clinical but can be confirmed by skin biopsy.

Treatment

• Sometimes corticosteroids, anti-inflammatory drugs, or psoralen plus ultraviolet A (PUVA) therapy

Usually no treatment is necessary; spontaneous resolution is common. For patients with more widespread or bothersome lesions, quicker resolution may be promoted by the use of high-strength topical corticosteroids under occlusive dressings every night, flurandrenolideSome Trade Names
CORDRAN SP
CORDRAN
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-impregnated tape, and intralesional corticosteroids. PUVA therapy is also effective and practical for patients with widespread disease. Recent reports have suggested that tumor necrosis factor-α inhibitors (eg, infliximabSome Trade Names
REMICADE
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, adalimumabSome Trade Names
HUMIRA
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), 595-nm pulsed dye laser, and fractional photothermolysis are useful in managing disseminated and recalcitrant lesions.

Last full review/revision October 2009 by Wingfield E. Rehmus, MD, MPH

Content last modified February 2012