How do I Choose the Best Granuloma Annulare Treatment?

Whether or not you choose to receive granuloma annulare treatment may depend on the severity of your condition. In most cases, this condition goes away on its own, although it often comes back within several months or years. If you have widespread irritation over several areas of skin, you may choose to undergo additional treatments such as corticosteroids, either through an ointment or injection, or you may use cryotherapy or light therapy. The treatment you will require will depend on how widespread the condition is over your body, and how long it persists.

Granuloma annulare is a skin disorder that usually causes a bumpy rash appearing in a circular formation. It most commonly occurs on the hands, feet, and arms. In most cases, no granuloma annulare treatment is needed. Although this condition can be chronic, symptoms normally do not last for more than two to three weeks at a time. Bumps, redness, and other unsightly irritation usually fades and then remains in remission for several months or even years. Those with skin irritation over several areas of the body may experience more long-term outbreaks, and additional therapies may be necessary.

If you are embarrassed or self-conscious about this condition, you may wish to undergo granuloma annulare treatment to fade redness and reduce inflammation. Corticosteroids applied as a topical ointment are the usually the first choice of treatment by dermatologists, or you can find over the counter versions and try using it yourself. If this doesn’t work, you can also receive steroid injections in your doctor’s office.

Another option for granuloma annulare treatment is cryotherapy. This is a procedure in which a doctor, usually a dermatologist, applies liquid nitrogen to any bumps on the skin to freeze them off. It also rejuvenates the skin and promotes new cell growth. The length of time this takes will depend on how widespread the rash is, but generally only takes a few seconds. You will be able to return to your normal activities the same day.

Occasionally, your doctor may recommend light therapy for granuloma annulare treatment combined with medication to make your skin more receptive to its effects. This option uses ultraviolet light to help your skin repair itself faster. Not all areas have this treatment option available, so you will need to discuss it with your doctor.

Since granuloma annulare normally has no symptoms aside from bumps and redness, some doctors may not offer treatment unless the condition has lasted an extended length of time or if it has spread over a very large portion of the body. Most treatments will have to be approved by a doctor, so you may not have many options if you wish to treat it at home. There are no known dietary or supplemental treatments for this condition, but you should eat plenty of vegetables and fruits, and drink lots of water to flush toxins through your body more quickly and promote healthy skin growth.