What is Granuloma Annulare in Children
Granuloma annulare is a long-term (chronic) skin disease that causes bumps (lesions) to develop on or under the skin. The lesions may form into one or more small, ring-like circles that are up to 2 inches (5 cm) wide.
The lesions may appear skin-colored, pink, or reddish. They most often appear on the top of a child’s hands, arms, or feet. The lesions are usually the only symptoms.
This skin disease does not cause serious illness. It usually goes away without treatment, but it may come back. It also does not spread from person to person.
What are the causes?
The exact cause of this condition is not known. It may be a reaction of your child’s body defense system (immune system). In some cases, the condition may be passed down through families.
What increases the risk?
This condition is more likely to develop in:
- Females.
- Children with a family history of the condition.
What are the signs or symptoms?
Small, painless lesions are the most common symptom of this condition. The lesions often appear on the hands, arms, or feet. They may form small circles and may be skin-colored, pink, or reddish.
Less common symptoms include:
- Firm lumps under the skin.
- Many lesions on both sides of the body, including on the forehead, neck, and belly.
- Itchiness in the area of the lesions.
How is this diagnosed?
This condition may be diagnosed based on a physical exam and your child’s symptoms and medical history. Symptoms of this condition can be similar to symptoms of other skin conditions, especially if the lumps form under the skin. To confirm the diagnosis, your child’s health care provider may take a tissue sample from a lesion or bump to examine under a microscope (biopsy).
How is this treated?
Your child may not need treatment if only a small area of skin is affected. In many cases, the condition will go away without treatment. This may take several months to years. If your child has many lesions, treatment options include:
- Steroid creams.
- Ultraviolet light treatment.
There is no single treatment that is best for this condition. Work closely with your child’s health care provider. Ask about the possible risks and benefits of any treatment.
Follow these instructions at home:
- Give or apply over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your child’s health care provider.
- Keep all follow-up visits as told by your child’s health care provider. This is important.
Contact a health care provider if:
- Your child’s symptoms get worse.
- Your child’s symptoms go away and come back.
