Granuloma Annulare

The cause of granuloma annulare (GA) is not known.  Skin lesions can follow an insect bite, sun exposure, a virus, or can appear at the site of trauma.  Most often they affect children and young adults.

 

Lesions of GA begin as smooth, flesh-colored or pink bumps on the skin that slowly expand, often forming a ring of bumps with central clearing in an oval or irregular shape.  There may be only a single lesion or many lesions.  GA can be found on any part of the body and rarely itches or hurts.  The most common places are the tops of the feet, ankles, wrists, and back of the hands.

 

The lesions of GA most often fade away in a few months to years without any treatment.  It is not contagious.  In children, granuloma annulare is not linked with any underlying problems.  Sometimes topical steroid ointments are prescribed.  The lesions may recur, often at the original site.  They will go away in time.

 

 

 

 

UW Dermatology Department 1 S. Park St 7th Floor Madison, WI 53715 Clinic: 608 287-2450

American Family Children’s Hospital Pediatric Dermatology Specialty Clinic 1675 Highland Ave. Madison, WI  53792 Clinic: 608 263-6420

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Last Updated: 06/17/2009

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