Hope for victims of granuloma annulare

DEAR DR. GOTT: I would like to know of any effective treatment for granuloma annulare.

DEAR READER: This is a chronic skin condition that presents with raised red or flesh-colored lumps that generally appear on the hands, feet, knees and elbows. The lesions often disappear within two years without treatment; however, they may reappear at a later time, and the cycle will repeat itself. The skin may itch, but this is uncommon. When the condition becomes widespread, ringlike patterns may appear over the body and itching becomes more common.
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Daily Column

DEAR DR. GOTT:
I would appreciate any information you can give me about granuloma annulare. I would like to know what it is, what causes it, what treatments are available, if it is contagious and if it is an infection.

I am an 85-year-old female who first developed this condition one year ago. It shows no signs of improving and my doctor told me he didn’t know what it was so he sent me to a specialist. The specialist told me not to worry about it but I do and really hope that it can be cleared up somehow.

DEAR READER:
Granuloma annulare is a chronic skin condition that causes red or flesh-colored raised lesions that form ring patterns. It most often occurs on the hands and feet. [Read more...]