Generalized Granuloma Annulare Today: Will We Ever Find a Gold Standard Treatment?

Authors

Mia Gatti, University of LynchburgFollow

Specialty

Dermatology

Advisor

Tom Colletti, DHSc, PA-C, DFAAPA

Abstract

Granuloma annulare (GA) is a benign inflammatory disease that is associated with many comorbidities such as malignancy, trauma, thyroid disease, diabetes mellitus, and HIV infection. GA usually presents with dermal papules and annular plaques in a symmetric distribution most found on the hands, feet, and arms. GA is usually self-limiting and resolves in 50% of patients within two years, although the rate of recurrence is high in this group. The generalized variant of GA can be persistent, sometimes lasting years to decades. For GA being such a common dermatologic condition, we still know very little regarding the etiology and effective treatments. Treatment in these patients have not always shown to be effective. GA has very little research on several types of treatments that show improvement. There are little randomized controlled studies, most performed decades ago. Some of the treatment options proposed for GA include topical steroids, intralesional Kenalog, NUVB, anti-malarials, Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors, and biologics.

Recommended Citation

Gatti M. Generalized Granuloma Annulare Today: Will We Ever Find a Gold Standard Treatment?. University of Lynchburg DMSc Doctoral Project Assignment Repository. 2022; 4(2).