Granuloma Annulare

Granuloma Annulare Treatment in Terre Haute

Notice ring-shaped bumps under your skin that won't go away? It might not be just a rash. Granuloma annulare is a chronic skin condition that causes small, firm, often circular bumps under the skin. It's usually harmless — but it can be persistent, spread over time, and cause real cosmetic concerns and emotional frustration.

At Biltmore Dermatology, we help you get answers, manage symptoms, and feel confident in your skin again.

What Is Granuloma Annulare?

Granuloma annulare is a benign inflammatory skin condition where the body's immune system forms small clusters of inflammation under the skin. The exact cause isn't fully understood, but it's not contagious, and not related to cancer or infection.

It often appears as ring-shaped patches or clusters of bumps, usually on the hands, feet, elbows, or knees. In some cases, it can spread more widely across the body (generalized granuloma annulare).

Symptoms of Granuloma Annulare

• Small, firm, raised bumps (papules) that form ring shapes
• Flesh-colored, reddish, or slightly purple appearance
• Smooth surface with no scaling (unlike psoriasis)
• Mild itching in some cases, but often painless
• Commonly affects hands, feet, elbows, and knees; can occasionally affect the trunk or entire body

Generalized granuloma annulare (widespread form) is rarer, but can be more difficult to manage and longer-lasting.

Causes and Risk Factors

While the exact cause is unknown, research suggests:

• Minor skin injuries may trigger it (scratches, insect bites)
• Associations with systemic diseases like diabetes or thyroid conditions in rare cases
• Possible immune system overreaction

Granuloma annulare can affect people of all ages, but it's more common in children and young adults.

How We Treat Granuloma Annulare at Biltmore Dermatology

Granuloma annulare is not dangerous, and mild cases often resolve without treatment over time.

However, for patients where lesions are persistent, cosmetically concerning, or widespread, we offer real treatment options.

These may include:

• Topical corticosteroids to reduce inflammation
• Steroid injections into resistant plaques
• Oral medications (for severe, generalized cases) to calm immune overactivity
• Observation with support for self-limiting cases

Our treatment approach balances minimizing symptoms with avoiding unnecessary aggressive therapies when not needed.

Living with Granuloma Annulare

Even though it's benign, granuloma annulare can cause emotional and social frustration — especially when visible on hands, arms, or legs. At Biltmore Dermatology, we take the psychological impact seriously and help you manage both the skin and the emotional weight of persistent visible symptoms.

Your skin matters — because how you feel in it matters.

Why Choose Biltmore Dermatology?

• 24+ years of dermatology experience
• Board-certified dermatology provider Ryan T. Patterson, NP-C, DCNP
• Personalized care plans tailored to your skin and your goals
• Experience with both localized and generalized cases of granuloma annulare
• Trusted by patients across Terre Haute, Vincennes, and surrounding Indiana communities

We treat what you see — and what you feel.

Ready to Get Answers?

If you're living with ring-shaped bumps that aren't going away, you deserve clarity, real options, and care that treats the full picture.

No referral is needed. Walk in today. Stay for the care and expertise.

Come for answers. Come for relief. Come for the care.

Contact Us