What should you know about granuloma annulare?

The bumps may be skin-coloured, pink, red, brown, or slightly purplish depending on your skin tone. They often form a smooth or subtly raised ring while the centre looks relatively clear. Localised patches commonly affect the backs of the hands, tops of the feet, elbows, or knees. Some people have itching or tenderness, but many notice mainly the appearance. It does not spread from person to person.

Arrange a dermatology assessment if the diagnosis is uncertain, the rash is spreading, or its appearance is changing. A clinician may examine the border closely and occasionally recommend a small skin sample to distinguish it from fungal infection or another inflammatory rash. If treatment is appropriate, options can include a prescribed topical corticosteroid or a carefully placed steroid injection into selected lesions. Read about [Topical Corticosteroids](/treatments/medical-dermatology/topical-corticosteroids/) and [Steroid Injection Into The Skin](/treatments/injectables/intralesional-steroid-injection/) as treatment concepts. Avoid scratching and harsh home applications that can irritate the skin.

Seek prompt medical advice if lesions become painful, hot, rapidly swollen, blistered, ulcerated, or start draining. Arrange a review for a rash involving the eyes, mouth, or genitals, or for widespread new spots with fever or feeling unwell. A ring-shaped rash is not enough to identify its cause, so persistent or changing lesions deserve an examination.

Could this be granuloma annulare or a different ring-shaped rash? Is a skin sample needed? Should we observe it or treat it? Which product should I stop if it causes irritation? What changes would mean I should return sooner?