Granuloma annulare is a skin condition characterized by the appearance of small raised bumps on the skin.
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With Granuloma Annulare raised bumps form on the hands feet or face
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The lesions expand and form a ring, resembling ringworm
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The lesions can disappear on their own from a few months to a few years after they appeared
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This can occur in healthy patients, with no particular cause
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The main concern with this condition is the appearance of the lesions
Granuloma Annulare Causes
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The main cause of Granuloma Annulare is not known
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It does, however occur commonly in patients with diabetes
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Still, a majority of patients who have Granuloma Annulare are perfectly healthy
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Some patients with the condition can also have some underlying problems that can lead to the lesions, these include:
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Allergies and Food Intolerance (e.
g. wheat intolerance)
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Risk Factors
Some risk factors for developing the condition have been pointed out, they include:
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Gender
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Women more than men are more likely to get Granuloma Annulare
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Age
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Children
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Young Adults
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Adults Over 40
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Illnesses – Patients with the following diseases have been known to develop the lesions.
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Diabetes
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Thyroid Problems
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Symptoms
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Raised red or flesh colored bumps
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They form on the skin of the hands and on the feet, in some instances they can also form on the face.
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Aside from these localized lesions, some people also develop generalized Granuloma Annulare which affects the whole body
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The lesions expand and form circles, which resemble ringworm
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The rings are usually much bigger than those in ringworm
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Granuloma Annulare symptoms are often limited to the presence of the lesions, but some patients have reported the following mild itching.
Diagnosis
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Scrape Test – This test is going to determine if the condition is caused by a fungus, as in ringworm
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Biopsy – This is the definitive test for diagnosing Granuloma Annulare. A small sample of the affected skin is studied under a microscope.
Granuloma Annulare Natural Treatment
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Often, no treatment is necessary for Granuloma Annulare
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The lesions tend to go away on their own, usually in a few months, but it can also last a few years
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Patients who are bothered by the appearance of the lesions may be prescribed with topical corticosteroids to help bring down the lesions
Natural Treatments
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Apple Cider Vinegar – some patients have reported good results with using apple cider vinegar on the lesions
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Avoidance of possible allergens