What is granuloma annulare?
Granuloma annulare is a chronic skin condition that consists of a circular-shaped rash with reddish bumps (papules). The rash might be slightly itchy. Most often, the condition affects children and young adults. Granuloma annulare is slightly more common in girls and usually is seen in people who are otherwise healthy.
What causes granuloma annulare?
The cause is unknown, but sometimes granuloma annulare might be associated with diabetes or thyroid disease.
What are the symptoms of granuloma annulare?
People who have granuloma annulare usually notice a ring of small, firm bumps (papules) over the backs of the forearms, hands, or feet. More than one ring might be noticed in some cases. The rash might be mildly itchy.
How is granuloma annulare diagnosed?
The condition is diagnosed by a doctor, who might use a skin scraping or skin biopsy to confirm the diagnosis.
How is granuloma annulare treated?
Treatment often is not necessary, except for cosmetic reasons. In some cases, creams or ointments are used to help the bumps disappear. Some doctors might decide to freeze the lesions with liquid nitrogen or to inject steroids directly into the rings of bumps. Ultraviolet light therapy or oral medicines can be used in severe cases.
What is lichen planus?
Lichen planus is a common skin disorder that produces shiny, flat-topped bumps that often have an angular shape and that have a reddish-purplish color. Lichen planus can occur anywhere on the skin but is often found on the insides of the wrists and ankles, the lower legs, the back, and the neck. Some people have lichen planus inside the mouth, genital region, hair, and nails. Thick patches of bumps might occur, especially on the shins.
Who gets lichen planus?
Lichen planus occurs most often in adults aged 30 to 70. It is not common in very young or elderly people.
What causes lichen planus?
In many cases, the cause of lichen planus is not known. However, lichen planus is linked to hepatitis C in some cases. Some medicines can cause lichen planus. The condition is not contagious.
What are the symptoms of lichen planus?
Symptoms of the condition include shiny, flat-topped bumps that are purple or a reddish-purplish color. When it appears on the scalp, lichen planus might cause hair loss. Lichen planus of the nails can cause brittle or split nails.
How is lichen planus diagnosed?
A doctor can diagnose lichen planus with the use of blood tests or a skin biopsy. During a skin biopsy, a small bit of skin is taken from the affected area and is sent to a laboratory for testing.
How is lichen planus treated?
Although lichen planus cannot be cured, its symptoms can be treated with anti-itch products such as antihistamines (i.e., the brand Benadryl). If lichen planus affects only as small part of the body, medicated cream can be applied to the affected area. Medicines such as intralesional kenalog injections, prednisone, or retinoids might be prescribed in more severe cases. Another treatment for lichen planus is light therapy. Talk to your doctor about which treatment is right for you.
What is pityriasis rosea?
Pityriasis rosea is a common skin rash that usually is mild. The condition often begins with a large, scaly, pink patch of skin on the chest or back. The patch usually is followed by additional pink patches of skin. There is an itching of skin lesions (sores) and redness or inflammation of the skin. The number and sizes of the spots can vary.
What causes pityriasis rosea?
The cause of pityriasis rosea is not known. However, there is evidence that suggests pityriasis rosea might be caused by a virus because the rash resembles certain viral illnesses. Pityriasis rosea does not seem to spread from person to person.
What are the symptoms of pityriasis rosea?
The primary symptom of pityriasis rosea is large, scaly, pink patch of skin that is followed by additional patches. The skin lesions (sores) become itchy and there might be a redness or inflammation of the skin. Pityriasis rosea affects the back, neck, chest, abdomen, upper arms, and legs, but the rash might differ from person to person.
How is pityriasis rosea diagnosed?
A doctor can diagnose pityriasis rosea. He or she might order blood tests, scrape the skin, or do a skin biopsy to make a diagnosis.
How is pityriasis rosea treated?
Treatment might not be necessary in mild cases of pityriasis rosea, and even more severe cases can go away without treatment. Oral antihistamines (i.e., the brand Benadryl) can help soothe itching. Baths, hydrocortisone creams, and other lubricants and creams (such as Lubriderm or Keri) might help ease inflammation.
Sores might heal faster with some exposure to sunlight or ultraviolet light. Too much sun exposure should be avoided, however, as sunburn might result. In most cases, pityriasis rosea goes away within six to 12 weeks.
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This information is provided by the Cleveland Clinic and is not intended to replace the medical advice of your doctor or health care provider. Please consult your health care provider for advice about a specific medical condition. This document was last reviewed on: 3/7/2005…#12169
