Granuloma annulare

The definition of granuloma annulare in one of the standard print medical dictionaries begins: 'a benign, usually self-limited granulomatous disease of unknown etiology, chiefly involving the dermis.' Translation: This condition usually clears up by itself (it is 'usually self-limited); it is not malignant (it is 'benign'); we don't have a clue as to what causes it (it is 'of unknown etiology'); it affects the layer (the 'dermis') of the skin just below the outside layer (the epidermis).

A granuloma is a localized nodular inflammation which has a typical pattern when the involved tissue examined under a microscope.

Annulare comes from the Latin word 'anus' meaning ring.

Granuloma annulare is thus a ring-like granuloma in the skin.

Granuloma annulare tends to occur in children, predominantly girls.

We recently heard from a viewer who wrote: 'I was told my daughter has granuloma alanarra.

She has a raised spiral inflammation on her ankle with a clear center.

It has increased in size by 3 inches (7-8 cm) in the past year.

My doctor told us that it would clear on its own.

Is this true? Is there another name I should look under?' There is only one name for this condition to the best of our knowledge -- granuloma annulare -- and that is the name to look under.

Granuloma annulare looks very much as this viewer has described it in his/her daughter.