What is Granuloma Annulare?
Granuloma Annulare is a rare skin disease, which is long-standing (chronic) where you find skin rash in the form of red bumps arranged in the form of a circle or a ring. It is considered to be an autoimmune; though, the exact cause is not yet understood. Over- production of white blood cells (leucocytes) which gather at some places forming the ring shape rash in this disease.
Causes of Granuloma Annulare
The exact cause for Granuloma Annulare is not understood. The underlying process is known to be auto-immune in nature. It is often associated with other auto-immune diseases in the patient or in immediate family members, such as diabetes, under-active thyroid, Systemic Lupus, Cancer. Injury to skin, some allergy (such as gluten) or tetanus vaccine may trigger this disease at times. It is more common in females as compared to males. It can occur at any age.
Types of Granuloma Annulare
The following clinical variants are recognized.
- Localized Granuloma Annulare: the localized variant is the most common form. It occurs most commonly on the hands, feet, wrist and ankles of young adults. Skin colored bumps occur generally on the joints.
- Generalized Granuloma Annulare: it is predominantly found in adults. The rashes involve large area of the body including trunk and extremities. They are more likely to be itchy.
- Deep or Subcutaneous Granuloma Annulare: it is seen most often in children. It favors scalp margins, finger tips and shins. They form a lump below the skin which is rubbery in feel instead of a rash.
- Perforating Granuloma Annulare: this form is very rare. They are usually localized on the dorsal of hands and fingers. They leave a scar on healing.
Symptoms of Granuloma Annulare
The most prominent symptom includes bumpy skin rash, reddish eruptions, circular rash with mild itching. Patients usually notice a ring of firm bumps over the back of forearms, hands and feet. These papules start as small pimple looking bumps, which spread over time. Occasionally multiple rings may join into one.
Diagnosis of Granuloma Annulare
It is clinically diagnosed because of its characteristic appearance. You may need a skin biopsy to confirm the diagnosis.
Future (Prognosis) of Granuloma Annulare
If not treated, it may turn out to be self-limiting in about two years; or may last even more. Since it is a result of underlying autoimmune disease, it is better treated internally.
Treatment for Granuloma Annulare
- Conventional medications: Topical (local), oral or injectable cortisone is administered for Granuloma Annulare. The disease may return once the effect of medicine is over. They may also use liquid nitrogen to freeze the bumps. Other treatment includes antibiotics and ultraviolet therapy.
- Homeopathic treatment: Understanding the cause of Granuloma Annulare as auto-immune, suggesting internal, immunological factors responsible for the disease, homeopathy aims at treating the internal factors by addressing the immune system using oral medicine.
Dietary Recommendations & Self-Help Tips
Just call or WhatsApp at +91 9056551747 and make an appointment to get homeopathic treatment for Granuloma Annulare with Dr. Vikas Singhal. At Dr. Singhal Homeo, you can get an online video consultation in India, as well as in Lithuania, France, Spain, Italy, Macau, Thailand, Hong Kong, Nigeria, Australia, the United States, the United Kingdom, Scotland, Austria, Canada, and Singapore.
