Granuloma annulare
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Granuloma annulare Classification and external resources |
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| Granuloma annulare on hand | |
| ICD-10 | L92.0 |
| ICD-9 | 695.89 |
| DiseasesDB | 5414 |
| eMedicine | derm/169 |
| MeSH | D016460 |
Granuloma annulare is a chronic skin disease consisting of a rash with reddish bumps arranged in a circle or ring. It most often affects children, young and older adults and it is slightly more common in females (60/40 ratio). The condition is usually seen in otherwise healthy people. Occasionally, it may be associated with diabetes or thyroid disease. Its cause is unknown.
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[edit] Presentation
Granuloma annulare is usually asymptomatic, but the rash may burn and be itchy. Patients usually notice a ring of small, firm bumps (papules) over the backs of the forearms, hands or feet, often centered around joints or knuckles. The bumps are caused by the clustering of T cells below the skin. Occasionally, multiple rings may be found. Rarely, granuloma annulare may appear as a firm nodule under the skin of the arms or legs.
[edit] Prognosis
Because granuloma annulare is usually asymptomatic, treatment may not be necessary except for cosmetic reasons. Most lesions of granuloma annulare disappear in pre-pubertal patients with no treatment within two years while older patients (50+) have rings for upwards of 20 years. The appearance of new rings years later is not uncommon.
