Summary
Definition
Granuloma annulare (GA) is an uncommon benign condition of unknown etiology.[1] Lesions are typically described as dermal papules, which coalesce to form rings, and may be skin-colored, pink, or violaceous; commonly found on the back of hands, ankles, knees, and elbows.
[Figure caption and citation for the preceding image starts]: Classic localized granuloma annulareFrom the collection of Susmita Mukherjee, BSc, MBBS, MRCP; used with permission [Citation ends]. A number of clinical variants exist.[2] Histology is characteristic. Most cases are self-limited.[3]
History and exam
Key diagnostic factors
- asymptomatic grouped annular pink or flesh-colored dermal papules
Other diagnostic factors
- flesh-colored, pink, or brown macules or small papules
- soft-tissue nodules
- perforating papules, crusting or ulcerated lesions
- erythematous patches
Risk factors
- diabetes mellitus
- hematologic malignancy
- herpes zoster
- HIV
- hepatitis
- hyperlipidemia
- thyroid disease
- medications
Diagnostic investigations
Treatment algorithm
Contributors
Authors
Assistant Professor
Dermatology and Internal Medicine
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia
PA
Disclosures
MR is an author of a reference cited in this monograph. MR declares that he has no other competing interests.
Dr Misha Rosenbach would like to gratefully acknowledge Dr Susmita Mukherjee, a previous contributor to this monograph. SM declares that she has no competing interests.
Peer reviewers
Assistant Professor of Medicine
Associate Residency Program Director
University of Chicago
Chicago
IL
Disclosures
AS declares that she has no competing interests.
Consultant Dermatologist
Department of Dermatology
Nuffield Hospital
Glasgow
UK
Disclosures
RH declares that he has no competing interests.
Dermatologist
Wayne State University School of Medicine
Department of Dermatology
Detroit
MI
Disclosures
BLP declares that she has no competing interests.
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