How is granuloma annulare treated?

Jul 14, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

I have been feeling unwell recently, and my doctor diagnosed me with granuloma annulare. Could you please tell me how granuloma annulare is treated?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Wang Xiaoyan
The treatment options for granuloma annulare vary, primarily depending on the severity of the condition. Patients with mild cases may not require specific treatment, as the condition is self-limiting and tends to resolve spontaneously. For patients needing treatment, the following approaches may be used: 1. **Physical therapy**: Includes cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen and laser therapy, such as narrowband ultraviolet light, which can help eliminate localized lesions, although potential local tissue reactions after treatment should be noted. 2. **Pharmacological therapy**: Local injections of medications such as isotretinoin and niacinamide, or oral administration of vitamin E and cyclosporine A, may help reduce granuloma annulare lesions. Caution should be exercised when using corticosteroids in patients with diabetes. 3. **Surgical treatment**: For moderate to severe granuloma annulare, minimally invasive surgery may be considered to directly remove the localized lesion, offering significant therapeutic effects. It should be noted that granuloma annulare has a relatively high recurrence rate; therefore, enhanced self-management after treatment is necessary to prevent relapse. Additionally, treatment plans should be tailored to each patient's individual circumstances to select the most appropriate approach.