Granuloma Annulare

Granuloma Annulare:

  • Appears as raised circles or bumps on the skin
  • Is not contagious
  • Is not harmful
  • Is not “ringworm” or caused by a fungus
  • Is not associated with any internal symptoms or diseases
  • Only appears in the skin and nowhere else
  • Is not caused by diet
  • Does not cause scarring
  • Is of unknown cause
  • May last months to years, and then may disappear
  • Does not usually itch, burn, sting or hurt
  • Has no cure
  • Occurs in children as well as adults
  • Is most common on the hands, arms, legs and feet
  • Is extremely rare on the face

Topical Corticosteroids (Steroids, Cortisone):

  • Are moderately effective
  • They are used twice daily on the affected areas until the spots become flat
    • At that point use should be stopped
  • Topical corticosteroids must be used for at least a month to see if they are going to be effective
  • The most common side effect would include, but not be limited to: thinning of the skin in the area to which they are being applied
    • Skin thinning may appear as bruising, stretch marks or dimpling

Intralesional Steroids (Cortisone Injections):

  • Cortisone injections work much better than the creams, gels and lotions
  • The cortisone is injected directly into the spot
  • A lesion 5 cm (2 inches) in diameter would require about 8 injections
  • The injections are repeated at monthly intervals
    • The main side effect from the injections includes, but is not limited to: thinning of the skin
    • Skin thinning may appear as bruising, stretch marks or dimpling
    • Skin thinning will usually resolve spontaneously once treatment is stopped

Phototherapy (Light Therapy):

  • If granuloma annulare is extensive (more than 20 lesions) UVB or PUVA light treatments may be used
  • They are helpful 50% of the time but carry the risk of sunburn and long term use increases the risk of skin cancer
  • These treatments are usually done 2 to 3 times per week for a minimum of 6 to 12 weeks

Oral Medications (Pills):

  • If there are many spots (several hundred) treatment is very disappointing
  • A wide variety of oral medications (pills) have been tried but nothing has even been proven to be helpful
  • Granuloma Annulare will eventually disappear on its own without treatment
  • Sometimes it is best to leave the spots untreated especially in young children

What if you are interested to learn more?

If you would like to learn more please phone the aesthetic centre directly at (905) 549-7873 to book a free consultation with one of our knowledgeable technicians or

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