Granuloma Annulare in Babies

Granuloma annulare is a chronic skin condition that presents as a reddish, raised rash, usually in a ring pattern similar in appearance to ringworm. It most commonly appears on the hands and feet, but can appear anywhere on the body.

Susceptibility

• Granuloma annulare most often appears in children and young adults, less often in babies, but it is possible at any age. The cause is not known.

Types

• There are four types of granuloma annulare: localized (the most common), widespread, subcutaneous and perforating (these last three are more prominent, but are extremely rare in babies).

Effects

• Granuloma annulare is benign and is not associated with any disease. There is rarely any pain or itching except in severe cases of the widespread type, where some itching has been reported.

Treatment

• There is no effective treatment; it goes away on its own. Sometimes an intralesional corticosteriod cream is applied topically, but there is no evidence that it has any effect.

Duration

• It disappears spontaneously, but has been known to spontaneously reappear for years.