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What is Granuloma Annulare?
A Granuloma Annulare is an inflammatory reaction that forms in the skin. It often appears as skin-colored to dusky red-purple bumps that tend to form in circular or round plaques on the skin. This can happen anywhere on the skin, but commonly shows up on the hands, feet, and other bony areas. These bumps can sometimes itch, but are not necessarily painful.
Granuloma Annulare has no known precursor. It is thought to be mediated by a specific type of allergic reaction known as a delayed-type hypersensitivity. Although it has been reported after sun exposure, injections, and trauma to the skin, no definitive link to these or other causative agents has been made.
Granuloma Annulare is a peculiar but often mild issue. Although it is often confused with ringworm because of its shape, it typically isn’t as near as scaly or itchy as these fungal infections. More often, it’s the bumps on the skin without any physical symptoms that cause patients to consult a dermatologist.
Is important to know that this condition is not contagious to others. This means that you cannot pass the skin eruption on to those around you by any form of contact. It is also not cancerous or capable of becoming malignant. It is confined to the skin. While patients with Granuloma Annulare are usually under 30 years old, it is really possible to show up in anyone.
This condition can, and will, go away on its own over time. That being said, it can take up to 10 years for some of the bumps to completely disappear from the skin. Cortisone Creamscan help, especially in regard to reducing the size of the lesions. Steroid injections into the skin are another effective option to reduce the size and extent of the lesions. Other oral and light-based therapies are also available.
Although it can be very stressful to have the aesthetic changes in the skin, those with these bumps can rest assured that their skin is healthy, regardless of treatment.
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