Granuloma annulare:The definition of granuloma annulare in one of the standard print medical dictionaries begins: "a benign, usually self-limited granulomatous disease of unknown etiology, chiefly involving the dermis." Translation: This condition usually clears up by itself (it is "usually self-limited); it is not malignant (it is "benign"); we don't have a clue as to what causes it (it is "of unknown etiology"); it affects the layer (the "dermis") of the skin just below the outside layer (the epidermis). It's a long-term (chronic) skin disease consisting of a rash with reddish bumps arranged in a circle or ring.
A granuloma is a localized nodular inflammation which has a typical pattern when the involved tissue examined under a microscope. Annulare comes from the Latin word "anus" meaning ring. Granuloma annulare is thus a ring-like granuloma in the skin.
Granuloma annulare tends to occur in children, predominantly girls.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors:
Granuloma annulare most often affects children and young adults. It is slightly more common in girls.
The condition is usually seen in otherwise healthy people. Occasionally, it may be associated with diabetes or thyroid disease. Its cause is unknown.
My daughter has it which prompted me to write this piece. To create awareness and inspire knowledge. Her arms, thigh, legs has a raised spiral inflammation with a clear center. Not a pretty sight for a mother to see. It has increased in size by 1 inch in the past months. I previously went to a doctor who told us that it would clear on its own.
I was wondering if this is true? I am a bit skeptical as I have said it is not a pretty sight. For something that was initially thought to be life threatening, the new doctor's insinuation that this would go away renewed my hope. However, tis not enough to enough to douse my fears . Albeit, there is a seeming hope for this condition, I still wonder because as a mother I was hoping for an assurance that the cure is out there.I am still hoping that I will have that hope within my reach.Thank you.
A granuloma is a localized nodular inflammation which has a typical pattern when the involved tissue examined under a microscope. Annulare comes from the Latin word "anus" meaning ring. Granuloma annulare is thus a ring-like granuloma in the skin.
Granuloma annulare tends to occur in children, predominantly girls.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors:
Granuloma annulare most often affects children and young adults. It is slightly more common in girls.
My daughter has it which prompted me to write this piece. To create awareness and inspire knowledge. Her arms, thigh, legs has a raised spiral inflammation with a clear center. Not a pretty sight for a mother to see. It has increased in size by 1 inch in the past months. I previously went to a doctor who told us that it would clear on its own.
I was wondering if this is true? I am a bit skeptical as I have said it is not a pretty sight. For something that was initially thought to be life threatening, the new doctor's insinuation that this would go away renewed my hope. However, tis not enough to enough to douse my fears . Albeit, there is a seeming hope for this condition, I still wonder because as a mother I was hoping for an assurance that the cure is out there.I am still hoping that I will have that hope within my reach.Thank you.
