What should you know about granuloma annulare and lichen planus?

Granuloma annulare commonly appears as smooth, firm bumps arranged in a ring, especially on the backs of the hands, feet, elbows, or knees. The surface may look relatively clear in the centre. Lichen planus can affect the skin, mouth, scalp, nails, or genital area. Skin lesions may be itchy and have fine white lines on their surface. Their appearances can overlap with other rashes, so a clinician may examine the pattern, texture, and affected sites before deciding whether testing is useful.

Take clear photographs when a rash is newly visible and record whether it itches, hurts, spreads, or changes after scratching. Avoid picking at raised areas and use a bland moisturiser if the skin feels dry. Treatment depends on the diagnosis and location. Options may include a prescribed topical corticosteroid; focused lesions may sometimes be considered for an intralesional steroid injection. Read about [Topical Corticosteroids](/treatments/medical-dermatology/topical-corticosteroids/) and [Steroid Injection Into The Skin](/treatments/injectables/intralesional-steroid-injection/) to understand these approaches.

Arrange a dermatology assessment for a new ring-shaped rash that persists, a rapidly changing eruption, or symptoms that interfere with sleep or daily activity. Seek prompt care for painful mouth sores, difficulty eating or drinking, eye symptoms, widespread blistering, or skin that becomes hot, swollen, and draining. These features need assessment because they can reflect a different or more urgent skin problem.

Could this pattern be granuloma annulare, lichen planus, or another condition? Which body sites should I monitor? Would a topical treatment be suitable, and what changes should make me stop it?