Granuloma Annulare

Granuloma annulare is a benign (not harmful), often chronic (long-lasting) skin disorder. Inflammation in your skin causes a raised, discolored rash or lumps under your skin. In most cases, rashes form on your hands, feet, forearms and elbows.

What are the types of granuloma annulare?

There are five main types of granuloma annulare. It’s possible to develop more than one type of granuloma annulare at the same time.

• Localized granuloma annulare. Localized granuloma annulare is the most common form of granuloma annulare. It causes a circular rash on your skin limited to one area.
• Generalized (disseminated) granuloma annulare. Bumps develop over a larger area of your skin, like your whole forearm, instead of a smaller, more concentrated rash.
• Subcutaneous granuloma annulare. Lumps develop under your skin.
• Perforating granuloma annulare. Painful bumps form on your hands and fingers.
• Patch granuloma annulare. Flat areas of rash form in patches on your skin.

Who does granuloma annulare affect?

Granuloma annulare most commonly affects children and young adults, though it may affect people of all ages. It affects women and people assigned female at birth twice as much as men and people assigned male at birth.

You may be more likely to have granuloma annulare if you have diabetes, especially Type 1 insulin-dependent diabetes.

You may also be more likely to have granuloma annulare if you have a thyroid disease, including thyroiditis, hypothyroidism and thyroid adenoma.

If a healthcare provider diagnoses you with granuloma annulare — particularly generalized granuloma annulare — ask them if screening for other conditions sometimes seen in people with granuloma annulare is right for you.

Perforating granuloma annulare is more common in Hawaii.

How does granuloma annulare affect my body?

In skin of color, you may have dark areas of skin (hyperpigmentation) once the inflammation goes away.

Chronic granuloma annulare can also affect your emotions. It can affect you psychosocially (how society and social groups affect your thoughts and emotions) and psychologically (how you think about yourself and your behavior). You may experience stress, anxiety and depression.