The FP diagnosed granuloma annulare (GA) in this patient, based on the typical clinical appearance of a raised ring on the back of the hand with no scale.
GA is a common benign cutaneous, inflammatory disorder of unknown origin. It affects twice as many women as men. It features annular lesions that have raised borders and are skin-colored to erythematous. The rings may become hyperpigmented and often feature a central depression. These lesions are typically 1 to 5 cm wide. Although the classical appearance of GA is annular, the rings may not always be complete. Most importantly, there is no scaling, which one would expect to see in tinea infections, also known as “ringworm.”
The most common form of granuloma annulare is localized, as it was in this case. It typically presents on the dorsal surfaces of extremities, especially of the hands and feet. When the presentation is classic, there is no need for a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis.
The most effective treatment for local disease is intralesional triamcinolone (5mg/mL). (See Watch & Learn: Intralesional injections.) The FP offered this treatment to the patient, and she tolerated the procedure well. The GA resolved over the weeks that followed with some faint hypopigmentation that lasted for several months. The patient was happy with the results.
Photos and text for Photo Rounds Friday courtesy of Richard P. Usatine, MD. This case was adapted from: Mauskar M, Usatine R. Granuloma annulare. In: Usatine R, Smith M, Mayeaux EJ, et al. Color Atlas and Synopsis of Family Medicine. 3rd ed. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill; 2019:1141-1146.
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