$Unique_ID{BRK03784}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{Granuloma Annulare}
$Subject{Granuloma Annulare Lichen Annularis Ringed Eruption Eruptive
Xanthoma}
$Volume{}
$Log{}

Copyright (C) 1987, 1989 National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc.

456:
Granuloma Annulare

** IMPORTANT **
It is possible the main title of the article (Granuloma Annulare) is not
the name you expected.  Please check the SYNONYMS listing on the next page
to find alternate names, disorder subdivisions, and related disorders
covered by this article.

Synonyms

     Lichen Annularis
     Ringed Eruption

Information on the following disorder may be found in the Related
Disorders section of this report:

     Eruptive Xanthoma

General Discussion

** REMINDER **
The information contained in the Rare Disease Database is provided for
educational purposes only.  It should not be used for diagnostic or treatment
purposes.  If you wish to obtain more information about this disorder, please
contact your personal physician and/or the agencies listed in the "Resources"
section of this report.

Granuloma Annulare is a benign, chronic skin disorder characterized by
elevated spots (papules) or nodules that form a ring with normal or slightly
depressed skin in the center.

Symptoms

Granuloma annulare is characterized by small, firm, yellowish or skin-colored
nodules arranged in a ring on the skin.  They are most common on the back of
the hands and feet, the ankles, knees, or elbows.  The disorder can be
chronic with possible remissions and/or recurrence of spots.

Causes

The exact cause of Granuloma Annulare (GA) is not known.  The disseminated
type of the disorder which affects large areas of the body may be associated
with Diabetes Mellitus.  Granuloma Annulare may also be a complication of
pseudorheumatoid nodules or shingles (Herpes Zoster).  Some forms of GA tend
to run in families (familial), but the exact mode of inheritance has not yet
been determined.  (For more information on the above disorders, chooses
"Diabetes Mellitus" and "Herpes Zoster" as your search terms in the Rare
Disease Database.

Affected Population

Granuloma Annulare is more common in females than in males.  The disorder may
occur in children and adults.

Related Disorders

Symptoms of the following disorder can resemble those of Granuloma Annulare.
They may be useful for a differential diagnosis:

Eruptive Xanthoma is characterized by clusters of small yellow or
yellowish-brown elevated spots over the entire body.  The clusters may be
encircled by a red ring.  This disorder may be distinguished microscopically
from Granuloma Annulare by the different coloring of its histiocyte cells.

Therapies:  Standard

Usually the eruptions of Granuloma Annulare disappear without treatment
(spontaneous remission).  Treatment for chronic forms of the disorder include
the antibacterial drug dapsone, and isotretinoin, which is the synthetic form
of retinoic acid (related to vitamin A).

Therapies:  Investigational

This disease entry is based upon medical information available through
October 1987.  Since NORD's resources are limited, it is not possible to keep
every entry in the Rare Disease Database completely current and accurate.
Please check with the agencies listed in the Resources section for the most
current information about this disorder.

Resources

For more information on Granuloma Annulare, please contact:

     National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD)
     P.O. Box 8923
     New Fairfield, CT  06812-1783
     (203) 746-6518

     The National Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases Information
     Clearinghouse
     Box AMS
     Bethesda, MD  20892
     (301) 495-4484

References

SULFONE TREATMENT OF GRANULOMA ANNULARE:  A. Steiner, et al.; Journal Am Acad
Dermatol (December 1985:  issue 13(6)).  Pp. 1004-1008.

RESOLUTION OF DISSEMINATED GRANULOMA ANNULARE FOLLOWING ISOTRETINOIN
THERAPY:  S.M. Schleicher, et al.; Cutis (August 1985:  issue 36(2)).  Pp.
147-148.

LOCALIZED GRANULOMA ANNULARE IS ASSOCIATED WITH INSULIN-DEPENDENT
DIABETES MELLITUS:  M.F. Muhlemann, et al.; British Journal Dermatol
(September 1984:  issue 111(3)).  Pp. 325-329.