Pediatric granuloma annulare (GA)

What is pediatric granuloma annulare (GA)?

Granuloma annulare (gran·​u·​lo·​ma - an·​nu·​la·​re) or GA is a common condition of unknown cause which typically affects the children and young adults.

In granuloma annulare, skin-colored to dusky-pink bumps expand to form rings often over joints, particularly the ankles, wrists, and knuckles.

It can occur on other sites of the body such as the abdomen or neck, and is occasionally quite widespread. The center of each ring is often flat.

What are the signs and symptoms of pediatric granuloma annulare (GA)?

Granuloma annulare usually causes no symptoms, but it is occasionally tender when bumped or slightly itchy. Often it will disappear after a months or years or it may persist without leaving a scar, but it may reappear at the same site or somewhere else at a later date.

How is pediatric granuloma annulare (GA) treated?

In most cases no treatment or biopsy is required. Topical steroids are not helpful for this condition.

This skin condition is not contagious and does not indicate internal medical problems.