Mitchell J. Mandel, MD, FAAD
Dermatologist, founder · All offices
Granuloma annulare
Medically reviewed by Mitchell J. Mandel, M.D., F.A.A.D., Board-Certified Dermatologist. Last reviewed .
Granuloma annulare causes raised, ring-shaped patches, often on the backs of the hands, feet, elbows or knees. It is not contagious and is usually harmless. It is often confused with ringworm.
Many cases clear on their own within a couple of years, but treatment can help patches fade sooner or treat widespread cases.
Signs and symptoms
- Rings of small, firm, skin-colored, pink or purple bumps
- Patches that grow slowly outward
- Usually no itching or pain
How we treat it
- Confirming the diagnosis, sometimes with a biopsy
- Prescription creams
- Steroid injections into patches
- Cryotherapy
- Oral medicines or light therapy for widespread cases
Where it is offered
Offered at all of our offices.
Q&A
Is it a fungal infection?
No. It can look like ringworm, but antifungal creams will not help.
Is it linked to other conditions?
Widespread granuloma annulare has been linked to some conditions, such as diabetes and thyroid disease, and your provider may recommend blood tests.
Who you can see
Dustin Marks, MD, FAAD
Dermatologist · Upper East Side
Emily Tongdee, MD, FAAD
Dermatologist · Downtown Brooklyn
Emma Newman, PA-C
Physician assistant · Upper East Side
Grace Jarrett, PA-C
Physician assistant · Downtown Brooklyn
Leah Aminov, PA-C
Physician assistant · Greenvale
Karen Chen, PA-C
Physician assistant · Streeterville
Paige Yurick, PA-C
Physician assistant · Streeterville
Arielle Ades, DNP, FNP-BC
Nurse practitioner · Boulder
Francesca Raedel, FNP-BC
Nurse practitioner · Boulder
Jennifer Telgener, FNP-BC
Nurse practitioner · Boulder
Christine Sacco, FNP-C
Nurse practitioner · Palm Beach Gardens