Granuloma Annulare (1592)

Key points below

What are granuloma annulare?

Granuloma annulare are small bumps or lesions on the skin. This condition is common in children and young adults.

The bumps vary in color and in size. They get round and raise above the skin.
The bumps often grow or join to form rings. They may itch.
They are often found on the elbows, knees, shins and top of the feet.

annulare

What causes it?

The exact cause is not known. Your child cannot catch it from someone else. It does not spread from person to person.

How is it diagnosed?

This condition will most likely be diagnosed by physical exam. Often, it is thought to be ringworm because of the way it looks. If the doctor is not sure, a skin scraping or skin biopsy might be done.

How is it treated?

Treatment is not always needed, but may help the lesions go away more quickly. Without treatment, it will often go away on its own. It may take up to two years to go away. It rarely causes any problems and normally stays within a small area on the skin. The doctor or nurse will talk with you about treatment options for your child.

ALERT

Call your child’s doctor, nurse, or clinic if you have any questions or concerns or if your child has special health care needs that were not covered by this information.