Granuloma Annulare – Generalized

Generalized Granuloma Annulare, also called diffuse Granuloma Annulare, is a less common form of Granuloma Annulare which I encounter in my The Woodlands dermatology and Conroe dermatology offices.  Generalized Granuloma Annulare typically affects women in their 50s and 60s but can also be seen in children and adolescents.  The plaques of Granuloma Annulare are usually smaller than 5cm and can number from 10 to over 100.  The most common areas affected by Generalized Granuloma Annulare are the neck, upper trunk, and proximal extremities but spares the face and genital area.  Some patients with Generalized Granuloma Annulare are asymptomatic whereas others suffer from severe pruritus.  The average duration of each Generalized Granuloma Annulare episode lasts from 3 to 4 years.  There is no known trigger for Generalized Granuloma Annulare.