Granuloma Annulare:
Information for adults

Granuloma annulare occurs most frequently over the joints or in areas that experience mild injury. The most common locations for granuloma annulare include:

• Backs of the hands and tops of the fingers
• Tops of the feet
• Around the elbows
• Around the knees

The lesions of granuloma annulare are usually found in the same areas on both sides of the body (symmetrically).

Granuloma annulare appears as small (1–3 mm), skin-colored or pink bumps. These bumps, which are smooth rather than scaly, may occur singly or in groups. Each bump may expand in size, leaving a shallow indentation in the center, which may be lighter or darker than your normal skin color. Alternatively, several small bumps may merge to form a ring, 1–5 cm in diameter. Healed lesions of granuloma annulare do not leave scars.

Granuloma annulare does not usually have any symptoms, though some individuals may experience itching.

Rarely, granuloma annulare may be widespread, called generalized granuloma annulare. Generalized granuloma annulare tends to appear in adults over 30 years old. The condition may consist of hundreds to thousands of 1–2 mm bumps that appear on the arms, legs, and upper trunk. These skin-colored or pink bumps may be quite itchy.