Merck Manual

Please confirm that you are not located inside the Russian Federation

Yes No

Leave this Site?

The link you have selected will take you to a third-party website. We do not control or have responsibility for the content of any third-party site.

Continue Cancel
Merck Manual
Consumer Version
The trusted provider of medical information since 1899
Health Topics & Chapters
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
Q
R
S
T
U
V
W
X
Y
Z
Merck Manual
Consumer Version
The trusted provider of medical information since 1899
Health Topics & Chapters
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
Q
R
S
T
U
V
W
X
Y
Z
Home /
Quick Facts: Skin Disorders /
Hypersensitivity and Inflammatory Skin Disorders /
... /
Granuloma Annulare /
IN THIS TOPIC

What is granuloma annulare?

What causes granuloma annulare?

What are the symptoms of granuloma annulare?

How can doctors tell if I have granuloma annulare?

How do doctors treat granuloma annulare?

OTHER TOPICS IN THIS CHAPTER

Hypersensitivity and Inflammatory Skin Disorders
Drug Rashes
Erythema Multiforme
Erythema Nodosum
Granuloma Annulare
Keratosis Pilaris
Panniculitis
Pyoderma Gangrenosum
Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN)

Test your knowledge

Breastfeeding
When to stop breastfeeding (wean the infant) depends on the needs and desires of both mother and baby. However, it is preferable for a mother to wait until the infant is at least how many months old before completely weaning? 

More Content

Loading
Quick Facts

Granuloma Annulare

By

The Manual's Editorial Staff

Last full review/revision Apr 2019| Content last modified Apr 2019
Click here for the Professional Version
Get the full details
NOTE: This is the Consumer Version. DOCTORS: Click here for the Professional Version
Click here for the Professional Version
Topic Resources

What is granuloma annulare?

"Granuloma" means a small mass of tissue that forms because of inflammation (swelling). "Annulare" means shaped like a ring.

Granuloma annulare is a harmless skin reaction that causes small, firm, raised bumps on the skin. The bumps form a ring with normal or slightly sunken skin at the center of the ring.

  • Granuloma annulare is more common in women

  • You may have a single ring or several rings

  • Granuloma annulare usually heals without treatment

What causes granuloma annulare?

Doctors don't know what causes granuloma annulare. It may be a reaction from your immune system.

What are the symptoms of granuloma annulare?

Symptoms include small, firm, raised bumps that form on your feet, legs, hands, or finger in a ring shape. The bumps can be bluish, yellowish, or skin-colored. They may be tender.

How can doctors tell if I have granuloma annulare?

Doctors can tell you have granuloma annulare by looking at your skin. To know for sure, doctors may do a biopsy (taking a small piece of skin to look at under a microscope).

How do doctors treat granuloma annulare?

Granuloma annulare usually heals without any treatment. If it bothers you, doctors treat it with:

  • Corticosteroid creams or shots

  • Skin cream to treat an immune reaction

  • Light therapy with medicines to make your skin more sensitive to light

  • Other medicines or laser therapy

NOTE: This is the Consumer Version. DOCTORS: Click here for the Professional Version
Click here for the Professional Version
© 2020 Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ, USA)
Erythema Nodosum
Keratosis Pilaris
Others also read
Granuloma Annulare Granuloma Annulare
Introduction to Hypersensitivity and Inflammatory Skin Disorders Introduction to Hypersensitivity and Inflammatory Skin Disorders

Also of Interest

SOCIAL MEDIA

Merck and the Merck Manuals

Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ, USA is a global healthcare leader working to help the world be well. From developing new therapies that treat and prevent disease to helping people in need, we are committed to improving health and well-being around the world. The Merck Manual was first published in 1899 as a service to the community. The legacy of this great resource continues as the Merck Manual in the US and Canada and the MSD Manual outside of North America. Learn more about our commitment to Global Medical Knowledge.

TRUSTe
TRUSTe

This website is certified by Health On the Net Foundation. Click to verify. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information:
verify here.

© 2020 Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ, USA
TOP