Granuloma annulare is a chronic, but harmless skin condition characterized by ring-shaped groups of bumps on the skin. Most cases of granuloma annulare require no treatment as the lesions typically resolve on their own within two years, according to MayoClinic.com. Some individuals may choose to undergo treatment in an effort to speed up the healing process, however, if they are uncomfortable with the cosmetic appearance of the bumps.
Corticosteroids
Corticosteroids--drugs that work to suppress overactivity of the immune system and reduce inflammation throughout the body--may help to clear up the symptoms of granuloma annulare. According to MayoClinic.com, patients bothered by the appearance of lesions on their skin may be able to speed up the healing process by applying a topical cream or ointment such as clobetasol propionate. After applying the medicine, covering the areas with a bandage may further accelerate the disappearance of the rash by increasing the potency of the cream. Injections with the corticosteroids, such as triamcinolone, are sometimes used to treat extremely thick lesions when topical ointments fail to reach and heal deeper tissues.
Other Medications
Doctors have used a variety of additional medications in an effort to treat granuloma annulare; however, because these treatments have yet to be evaluated formally in controlled clinical trials, no firm conclusions can be drawn about their safety and effectiveness. According to a review published in the November 2006 issue of "American Family Physician," there is some early data that the antibiotic dapsone may effectively treat disseminated, or widespread, granuloma annulare. The topical creams tacrolimus and pimecrolimus, which work by modulating or suppressing an overactive immune system, have also been effective. Similarly, there is some evidence that immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory medications such as hydroxychloroquine, chloroquine and cyclosporine may benefit some people with granuloma annulare. Other medications, including the acne medication isotretinoin, fumaric acid esters, which are used to treat psoriasis, and niacinamide, or vitamin B3, have also been effective; however, concern over their potentially serious side effects may prohibit their widespread use.
Psoralen Plus Ultraviolet A (PUVA) Treatment
According to Merck.com, individuals with disseminated granuloma annulare may benefit from a type of light therapy known as psoralen plus ultraviolet A, or PUVA. This treatment involves directly exposing the lesions to ultraviolet A light after they have been treated with psoralens--medications that increase the skin's sensitivity to ultraviolet rays. Though existing research shows this procedure to be effective in clearing up skin patches, it may only be appropriate for brief use as long-term exposure to ultraviolet light can increase the risk of non-melanoma skin cancer, according to the review published in "American Family Physician" in 2006.
Cryotherapy
Cryotherapy is a type of treatment that involves removing unwanted skin lesions with extreme cold. During the procedure, a doctor uses an applicator or spray device to apply liquid nitrogen to the affected areas of skin. According to MayoClinic.com, each lesion can be removed in less than 60 seconds, exposing the healthy skin underneath. Existing research shows that cryotherapy can effectively resolve localized lesions in the majority of cases, according to the 2006 review in "American Family Physician;" however, patients should be advised that the procedure can cause scarring and other skin damage.
