Granuloma annulare is a common skin condition in which smooth, discolored plaques occur on the skin. Such plaques are usually thickened and ring-shaped, or annular. Granuloma annulare lesions can occur on any site of the body, but are commonly seen around the skin folds of the trunk, the hands and the feet. Granuloma annulare may be asymptomatic, but affected areas can be tender when knocked.

It is not clear why granuloma annulare develops, but there are theories that it can be triggered by trauma, infection or a medical condition such as thyroid disease. While anyone can develop granuloma annulare, it is most often seen in middle-aged adults.  Those with granuloma annulare may notice that the condition improves on its own after a few months of diagnosis. The length of symptoms typically does not last longer than two years.

Despite the condition being harmless, some with granuloma annulare prefer treatment for their skin symptoms. Granuloma annulare treatment can include medicated creams, steroid injections, oral medications, and/or narrowband UVB phototherapy, also known as light therapy.

Array Skin Therapy offers narrowband UVB light therapy to help lessen or alleviate bothersome skin symptoms associated with granuloma annulare. Light therapy treatment for granuloma annulare can reduce inflammation, resulting in a more even skin tone.

Light therapy treatment for granuloma annulare is required two or three times each week and may be necessary to continue for several months, depending on the individual’s desired result. Patients usually notice some improvement in their symptoms by 10-15 treatments, with more significant improvement noted around 30 treatments. When patients are satisfied with their level of improvement, we encourage them to take a break from light therapy and monitor their skin closely.  If you are interested in light therapy for the treatment of granuloma annulare, call us to schedule a consultation with one of our nurse practitioners.