How is granuloma annulare treated?
For most people, granuloma annulare goes away on its own without treatment. The condition usually disappears completely within two years. However, in some patients, the rash can recur after it has resolved.
If granuloma causes large areas of rash on yor skin, or deep, large lumps under your skin, your doctor may recommend treatment. The purpose of treatment is to help control the itching or pain. Treatments can potentially speed up the time it takes for the rash to fade, though this is not always seen.
- Medications: Certain drugs can help clear your skin by reducing inflammation. Your doctor may recommend strong corticosteroids, isotretinoin (Absorica®, Zenatane®), or tacrolimus (Protopic®). Medications may be applied directly to your skin or given as an injection. Other drugs, such as those used to treat malaria, might help reduce the appearance of the rashy areas on your skin.
- PUVA therapy: This type of light therapy uses a drug called psoralen, which is taken orally or given as a bath or soak. Then doctors expose your skin to UVA light. Psoralen makes your skin more sensitive to light. UV light can slow down the growth of skin cells, which in turn may stop the granuloma annulare from continuing to grow. PUVA therapy is sometimes called photochemotherapy.
- Cryotherapy: Using specialized equipment, your doctor freezes the portion of your skin affected by granuloma annulare. This treatment tries to stop the skin patches from continuing to grow.
- Laser therapy: Your doctor uses a special laser to target and to heat the skin. This is thought to decrease inflammation in the skin and prevent further spread of the rash.
For some people, granuloma annulare is difficult to treat. You may try several therapies before finding what works best for you.