What Is Annular
Lichen Planus
Characterized by lesions caused by an inflammatory condition.
What causes annular skin rashes?
Numerous factors can cause annular skin rashes. A consultation and examination by a dermatologist may be the only way to accurately determine the precise cause of an individual’s rash. This skin rash is caused by a fungal infection and can appear anywhere on the body. It causes itchy raised patches of skin that can have sharply defined borders.
What does granuloma annulare look like on the skin?
Some people develop widespread bumps that connect and then form larger rashes. Patch granuloma annulare: Red, reddish-brown, or purple flat areas of rash form on the skin. People may develop one or more areas of skin like this. What causes granuloma annulare?
What is an annular lesion?
Annular lesions are extremely common and striking in appearance, but can also be misleading. The term “annular” stems from the Latin word “annulus,” meaning ringed.
What is annular erythema?
Annular erythema is a descriptive term that refers to a number of chronic annular and erythematous skin eruptions. Other descriptive terms used to classify these types of lesions include: Erythema figuratum perstans. Erythema gyratum repens is often classified separately. See more images of annular erythema.
What causes annular rashes?
Common etiologies of nummular lesions include parapsoriasis and lichen aureus, among others. In adults, the most common etiology of annular lesions is tinea, a superficial fungal infection of keratinized tissue.
What does an annular lesion look like?
The term “annular” stems from the Latin word “annulus,” meaning ringed. The lesions appear as circular or ovoid macules or patches with an erythematous periphery and central clearing.
Are annular lesions itchy?
They form round or oval erythematous plaques anywhere on the body, but usually on the limbs. The plaques become dry, scaly and resolve leaving areas of persistent brown hyperpigmentation. Sometimes, central clearing of the plaques means it resembles tinea. The lesions are extremely itchy.
What is annular erythematous?
Annular erythema is not a diagnostic term but rather a description of a spreading erythematous eruption with an annular (ring-shaped) appearance. If the expansion of the rash is not uniform it may become arciform (arc-like) or polycyclic (two or more connected rings).
How is annular erythema treated?
Erythema annulare centrifugum (EAC) is usually self-limited. Topical steroids usually cause involution of the treated lesions, but they do not prevent the occurrence of new lesions or recurrence of the eruption. Systemic or injection steroid therapy is effective, but the eruption returns once these drugs are withdrawn.
What causes granuloma annulare to flare up?
The exact cause of granuloma annulare is unknown (idiopathic). Numerous theories exist linking the cause to trauma, sun exposure, thyroid disease, tuberculosis, and various viral infections. However, no definitive proof has been shown for any of these theories.
What cancers cause granuloma annulare?
Cancer-associated granuloma annulare has been reported predominantly in patients with hematologic malignancies (most commonly non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and Hodgkin's disease) and, less often, in individuals with solid tumors (Table 1).
How serious is granuloma annulare?
Granuloma annulare is a harmless type of skin rash. The rash is most often discolored and raised, and roughly in the shape of a ring. The rash may be on just one part of the body. Or it may appear on more than one area of the body and become widespread (generalized).
How long does granuloma annulare last?
This skin condition tends to clear on its own. Since it's not contagious, you can leave it alone until it clears. Clearing may take a few months or a few years. Most people see their skin clear within two years.
Is annular erythema contagious?
Currently EAC is not known to be contagious, but as many cases are incorrectly diagnosed as EAC, it is difficult to be certain.
What drugs cause erythema annulare centrifugum?
Drugs reported to cause EAC include finasteride, piroxicam, hydroxychloroquine, amitriptyline, and spironolactone. Still other cases have been attributable to a familial form. However, in most cases, no underlying cause can be found.
Can erythema be caused by stress?
Stress is known to play a role in the course of many skin diseases. We report here a case of erythema annulare centrifugum (EAC) that appeared to be associated with stressors in the patient's life. On multiple occasions, EAC appeared with these episodes and cleared upon their resolution without medical treatment.
What does a granuloma annulare look like?
Granuloma annulare is a rash that often looks like a ring of small pink, purple or skin-coloured bumps. It usually appears on the back of the hands, feet, elbows or ankles. The rash is not usually painful, but it can be slightly itchy.
What can be mistaken for granuloma annulare?
Granuloma annulare can be mistaken for other common annular skin conditions such as tinea corporis, pityriasis rosea, nummular eczema, psoriasis, or erythema migrans of Lyme disease.
What is the best way to get rid of granuloma annulare?
Treatment options include:Corticosteroid creams or ointments. Prescription-strength products may help improve the appearance of the bumps and help them disappear faster. ... Corticosteroid injections. ... Freezing. ... Light therapy. ... Oral medications.
What autoimmune disease causes granuloma annulare?
Granuloma annulare is occasionally associated with diabetes or thyroid disease, most often when lesions are numerous or widespread. It may, rarely, be related to cancer, especially in older people whose granuloma annulare is severe, doesn't respond to treatment or returns after cancer treatment.
What is annular erythema?
Annular erythema is a descriptive term that refers to a number of chronic annular and erythematous skin eruptions. Other descriptive terms used to classify these types of lesions include:
What are the signs and symptoms of annular erythema?
The eruption usually begins as a small raised pink-red spot that slowly enlarges and forms a ring shape while the central area flattens and clears. There may be an inner rim of scale. The rings enlarge at a rate of about 2–5 mm/day until they reach a diameter of about 6–8 cm. Sometimes the lesions do not form complete rings but grow into irregular shapes. One or several lesions may be present.
How is the diagnosis of annular erythema made?
The diagnosis of annular erythema is made clinically and may be confirmed by histopathology, which shows a perivascular lymphocytic infiltration.
What is the treatment of annular erythema?
Most cases of annular erythema require no treatment (and no curative therapy is known). However, topical corticosteroids may be helpful in reducing redness, swelling and itchiness.
What is the name of the paraneoplastic eruption associated with underlying malignancy?
Erythem gyratum perstans , a paraneoplastic eruption associated with underlying malignancy in which there are concentric and whirling rings
Where does nnular erythema occur?
A nnular erythema most often appears on the thighs and legs, but may occur on the face, trunk and arms. The lesions rarely cause symptoms but in some patients may cause mild itching or stinging.
Is annular erythema a disease?
However, it has been noted that annular erythema is sometimes linked to underlying diseases and conditions. These include: Bacterial, fungal and viral infections such as tuberculosis, secondary syphilis, sinusitis, candidiasis or tinea.
What are the symptoms of granuloma annulare?
This is the most common type of granuloma annulare. The bump (lesion) borders are circular or semicircular, with a diameter up to 2 inches (5 centimeters). The lesions occur most commonly on the hands, feet, wrists and ankles of young adults.
What is the lump under the skin called?
Under the skin. A type that usually affects young children is called subcutaneous granuloma annulare. It produces small, firm lumps under the skin, instead of a rash. The lumps form on the hands, shins and scalp.
What is a ring pattern on the hands and feet?
Granuloma annulare is a skin condition that causes a raised rash or bumps (lesions) in a ring pattern, usually on the hands and feet.
Where do lesions occur?
The lesions occur most commonly on the hands, feet, wrists and ankles of young adults. Generalized. This type is uncommon and usually affects adults. It causes bumps that form a rash on most of the body, including the trunk, arms and legs. The rash might cause discomfort or itchiness. Under the skin.
Is granuloma annulare a cancer?
Granuloma annulare is occasionally associated with diabetes or thyroid disease, most often when lesions are numerous or widespread. It may, rarely, be related to cancer, especially in older people whose granuloma annulare is severe, doesn't respond to treatment or returns after cancer treatment. By Mayo Clinic Staff.
What is an annular lesions?
Annular lesions are extremely common and striking in appearance, but can also be misleading. The term “annular” stems from the Latin word “annulus,” meaning ringed. Herein, we enumerate different presentations of annular lesions.
What is the pattern of seborrhoic dermatitis?
Petaloid form of seborrhoic dermatitis sometimes assume annular pattern consisting of multiple circinate patches, with a fine branny scaling in their centers, and with dark-red papules with larger greasy scales at their margins.[21] After an acute phase, nummmular or discoid eczema may progress towards a less vesicular and more scaly stage, often with central clearing, and peripheral extension, causing ring-shaped or annular lesions. Nummular patches may accompany the more typical dry, erythematous scaling patches of atopic dermatitis. Meyerson described two patients with multiple pruritic, papulosquamous lesions surrounding melanocytic naevi which resolved spontaneously and termed it as Meyerson phenomenon or Halo eczema.[22]
What causes granuloma annulare?
Doctors also think granuloma annulare is related to triggers, such as: 1 Skin injuries such as insect bites or trauma 2 Certain medications, like allopurinol (Aloprim®, Zyloprim®) 3 Some diseases, like human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis C
How long does it take for granuloma annulare to go away?
For most people, granuloma annulare goes away on its own without treatment. The condition usually disappears completely within two years. However, in some patients, the rash can recur after it has resolved.
What causes lumps under the skin?
The bumps eventually join to form large, discolored areas. Subcutaneous granuloma annulare: This type of granuloma annulare causes lumps to form under your skin. The lumps are usually firm and round. They are not painful. In most cases, lumps stay small, but they can grow quickly. Lumps are red, pink, or skin-colored.
What type of granuloma is most common in Hawaii?
One type of granuloma annulare, perforating granuloma annulare, is more common in Hawaii.
What to do if you have a rash under your skin?
If you notice a rash or deep lump developing on or under your skin, contact your doctor for a thorough evaluation. It is also important to contact your doctor if you notice skin rashes that bleed, get larger, are itchy or painful, or change appearance in any way.
What are the bumps on my arm?
The areas are usually discolored. The rash can appear red, pink, purple, or skin-colored. Generalized granuloma annulare: Bumps develop over a larger area, like the whole forearm, instead of in a smaller, more concentrated rash.
What are the bumps on my fingers?
Perforating granuloma annulare: Small, painful, scaly bumps form on the hands and fingers. In some cases, bumps are itchy or painful, and they leak fluid. Some people develop widespread bumps that connect and then form larger rashes.
What is the name of the rash in the center of the body?
Other names for the EAC rash are: The name EAC comes from the Latin words for red rash ( erythema ), ring-like ( annulare ), and spreading from the center ( centrifugum ).
What does EAC rash look like?
The EAC rash usually begins as a small pink or red spot that gradually enlarges. In some people, the rash may itch or sting, but often there are no symptoms. As the rash spreads outward, it may take on the appearance of rings, like a bull’s-eye.
How long does it take for an EAC rash to clear up?
If there is no underlying disease, an EAC rash usually clears up by itself. This can take several weeks or months. A new rash may appear after the earlier one clears up.
Why does my rash go away on its own?
The rash may appear for no known reason and go away on its own, or it may be a sign of an underlying problem. It may appear at the same time that you have an allergic reaction to food or drugs, or after a spider or tick bite.
How big is a rash spot?
Each rash spot can range in size from one-quarter inch to more than three inches.
What tests are needed to diagnose a rash?
These may include basic blood work and possibly a chest X-ray.
Is EAC a sign of cancer?
EAC may also be a sign of an infectious disease. In about 13 percent of cases, there is an underlying illness or infection. Rarely, it may be a sign of cancer. The average age of onset is 49 years, but EAC rash can appear at any time of life, from infancy on. Other names for the EAC rash are:
What is a granuloma annulare?
Granuloma annulare (GA) is skin disorder that most often causes a rash with red bumps (erythematous papules) arranged in a circle or ring pattern (annular). [1] [2] [3] GA is not contagious and is not cancerous. [2] The rash may be localized or generalized. Localized GA is the most common form of GA (75% of the cases) and usually affects the forearms, hands, or feet. The generalized form of GA (15% of cases) presents with numerous erythematous papules that form larger, slightly raised patches (plaques) anywhere on the body, including the palms of hands and soles of feet. The plaques may or may not be in the ring pattern and can vary in color. Less common forms of GA include subcutaneous, perforating, and patch variants. [2] [3] [4] [5]
How long does granuloma annulare last?
For most people, granuloma annulare (GA) goes away within a few years. It tends to last longer if it has spread to more parts of the body (generalized form) than if it is found in just one location (localized form). The generalized form may follow a pattern of spontaneously healing only to develop months or years later. About 25% of cases of generalized GA last for more than five years and for some it may last longer than 10 years. [3]
What is the best treatment for granuloma annulare?
Other medications that may be given for generalized granuloma annulare include hydroxychloroquine, isotretinoin, or dapsone. Combinations of certain antibiotics ( rifampin, ofloxacin, and minocycline) have been shown to be successful in some cases.
Can granuloma annulare be perforating?
Children tend to get the localized and subcutaneous types of granuloma annulare. The general ized and perforating types are more common in older adults. [1] [2] In addition to the above forms, GA has been reported to occur in a linear pattern or as very painful papules or plaques. [3]
Where are patches of skin?
Patch GA presents with patch-like lesions that may be localized or generalized and are most commonly located in the legs or arms.
Where are GA lesions most common?
The lesions of generalized GA can form anywhere on the body, but are most common on the trunk, arms, and legs. Generalized GA can affect the neck, face, scalp, soles of feet, and palms of hands.
Can you use steroids to clear a rash?
Steroids creams or injections and other therapies may be used to clear the rash more quickly, but are not successful in all cases, especially for those with the generalized form. Even after GA completely goes away, it may develop again. [1] [3] [4] [6] Last updated: 8/2/2018.
