Granuloma Annulare Treatments
Granuloma annulare treatments are typically very effective. Granuloma Annulare, also known as necrobiotic papulosis, is characterized by raised reddish or skin-colored bumps in ring patterns. It most often appears on the hands, wrists, feet, and ankles, although it can occur anywhere on the body. The condition is not painful or itchy, but many patients feel self-conscious about the lesions, which may morph and move over time, especially those on the hands. Additionally, a person with granuloma annulare may feel extra pain and sensitivity if the affected area is hit. Some cases of this condition resolve on their own within a year or two, but symptoms lasting longer than a few weeks should be evaluated by a dermatologist.
Causes of Granuloma Annulare
Scientists do not know the exact cause of granuloma annulare. However, we know it may be triggered by certain medications, skin injuries like insect or animal bites, viral infections like hepatitis, herpes, and HIV, vaccinations, tuberculin skin tests, and sun exposure. Widespread necrobiotic papulosis may occasionally be associated with thyroid disease, diabetes, tumors or HIV. The condition typically affects children, teenagers, and young adults more than adults.
Types and Symptoms
There are three main types of granuloma annulare. The most common type is isolated, with skin-colored lesions measuring up to 2 inches in diameter on the knuckles, hands, elbows, wrists, feet, and ankles of children and adolescents. By contrast, generalized granuloma annulare is often itchy and more widespread, often covering the trunk, armpits, arms, groin, and legs of adults. Finally, subcutaneous granuloma annulare most often involves small, painless lumps under the skin on the fingertips, hands, scalp, buttocks, and shins of children.
This condition can occur anywhere on the body, but it will only affect the skin. Sometimes, it will not have symptoms. In most cases, though, people with this condition will experience additional tenderness if the site of the annulare is hit or knocked. In general, these spots can slowly change shape, size, and position, but if you notice any significant changes in a short period of time, consult your dermatologist. This could be a sign of skin cancer.
When to See a Doctor for Granuloma Annulare Treatment
If you are unsure whether you have this condition, visit your dermatologist. Generally, granuloma annulare can be diagnosed by visual examination alone, but a skin biopsy may be required in some cases to rule out other conditions. Sometimes the lesions may disappear on their own in a few months, though widespread types of the condition may persist for years.
Granuloma annulare treatment options include topical corticosteroid ointments or injections, freezing the lesions with liquid nitrogen to stimulate new skin growth, and laser/light therapy. For severe and widespread lesions, antibiotics may be used. All of these treatment options for granuloma annulare require a doctor. If you are interested in having your condition treated, visit your dermatologist. Additionally, if you are unsure whether your lesion is benign, visit a doctor to receive a visual examination.
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*Results may vary per patient. Services vary by location.
Zel Skin & Laser Specialists – Plymouth ★★★★★ on Google5:27pm
Felt COvid safe ... always a great experience working with professionals
Dr. Zelickson is thorough and patiently attentive to my concerns. Such a great practice and so easy to deal with. A great emphasis on safety during this pandemic which I really appreciate.
Brian brings a unique combination of medical science, clinical expertise, integrity and compassion to his patients. He provides the latest technology available in the field of dermatology but with a personalized touch for each patient. He is highly respected by his colleagues throughout the country for his expertise and sincerity.
Everyone I have met at Zel is amazing!
It is rare to find a dermatologist who is as knowledgeable about the many facets of clinical and cosmetic dermatology as Dr. Zelickson. Because of his knowledge and honesty, doctors worldwide know they can depend on his assessment of new therapies, procedures and medical devices. This, in turn, has made him a much sought–after speaker for the plethora of professional medical society meetings and engagements that we have throughout the year. I am honored to know Dr. Zelickson and consider him a friend to the profession.
Dr. Brian Zelickson was one of our initial Thermage investigators and helped us understand the mechanisms of non–invasive skin tightening. He is a renowned expert on how collagen can affect skin tightening and wrinkle reduction.
Dr. Brian Zelickson is one of this country’s leading laser experts. Not only is he unparalleled as a laser surgeon, it is not an exaggeration to state that his superb research helps determine the future of dermatologic laser surgery.
Dr. Zelickson is a highly regarded skin/light expert in our industry. When Candela looks for both medical and scientific advice for new laser applications, we often turn to him for his counsel. The input he provides us always starts with patient safety and satisfaction. We feel fortunate to be able to tap into Brian as an independent resource. The patients who are treated with Candela devices are often the beneficiaries of Brian’s input to us.
Most patients prefer seeing a doctor who is known for a particular specialty or procedure, but all patients want to see the doctor who invented the procedure or therapy. Dr. Brian Zelickson is one of the most respected physicians in the field of cosmetic dermatology and aesthetic medicine. He has lectured around the world and is one of the most sought–after speakers for all major meetings in dermatology.
I would rate Dr. Zelickson's clinic 10 stars!
We have felt honored to have Dr. Brian Zelickson, a world–renowned dermatologist who is distinguished as a high–quality care physician, serving as the investigator evaluating Syneron non–invasive skin tightening technology
I trained with Dr. Zelickson at Mayo Clinic, and I found him to be a very bright and creative dermatologist and scientist. Later, he was our best advisor when we set up our clinic in the Basque Country in Spain. I call him the ‘paparazzi of dermatology.’ His contribution to our speciality is probably among the best of this century.
Tuve la suerte de conocer al Dr. Brian Zelickson en Minneapolis hace muchos anos y desde entonces acudo regularmente a compartir sus conocimientos. Es un científico honrado, brillante, creativo e innovador. Nunca deja de sorprenderte agradablemente.
Dr. Zelickson is a very well–respected dermatologist, not only in the U.S., but also in Europe. He is famous for being the author of relevant dermatological studies published in many prestigious medical journals and for the improvements he’s made on minimally invasive cosmetic procedures that are being used by dermatologists all over the world.
Our view from Europe of Dr. Brian Zelickson is that he is one of the leading four or five U.S. laser dermatologists. His research contributions, his superb lectures and his expert knowledge of laser skin surgery make him a valued friend, colleague and guest.
Dr. Brian Zelickson is one of the world’s leaders in cutaneous laser surgery. He has performed groundbreaking research over the past decade, advancing the field as well as expertly providing the most up–to–date laser treatments for his patients.
Brian Zelickson is a world–renowned laser expert who helps develop the lasers and treatment parameters used by the rest of the world. He is where others turn to learn the latest techniques in laser surgery. If you want the best treatment available, delivering the best results in the safest environment available, there is no need to look anywhere else.
I have met many laser experts in my 20 years of teaching, lecturing and running a busy practice. There is no one who I respect more than Brian. If I have a clinical question or research idea, Brian is one of the few individuals I call, as I know I can count on his intellect, integrity and common sense.
Dr. Zelickson is one of America’s most knowledgeable laser experts. He has done pioneering work with many of the laser and light–based technologies developed in the world over the last 10 years. He is a giant in the field.
Dr. Zelickson is one of the world’s leaders in the field of lasers for the treatment of the skin. His many years experience in treating thousands of patients with lasers and other medical devices makes him one of the most sought–after doctors in this field. Innovation and caring are his trademarks.