Treatment Options for Granuloma Annulare
Abstract
The few paragraphs devoted to granuloma annulare (GA) in classic dermatology textbooks do not provide justice to the volume of patients seen with this condition in clinical practice. The epidemiology of GA is such that it affects patients of all ages. Most cases of localized granuloma annulare are diagnosed in patients before 30 years of age. Incidence is highest in women, with a ratio of 2.3 to 1.0 over men. Approximately 15 percent of all patients with granuloma annulare will have more than 10 lesions (i.e. disseminated granuloma annulare). These patients are usually children younger than 10 years or adults older than 40 years. Although uncommon, cases of granuloma annulare occurring in siblings, twins, and successive generations have been reported. Seasonal peaks of granuloma annulare in the spring and fall also have been described. The duration of the skin eruption varies. In more than one half of patients, it resolves spontaneously within two months to two years. However, cases of disseminated granuloma annulare may last three to four years or as long as 10 years. The eruption may recur as well, with 40% of children having recurrent lesions.
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