Crumay Parnes Associates, Inc.

Dermatology & Dermatologic Surgery
1822 Good Hope Road
Enola, PA 17025
Phone 717-763-7685 | Fax 717-975-2950  

 

granuloma

Granuloma is a generic term that refers to a small nodule visible to the naked eye, or to a specific pattern of inflammation that may be seen in a biopsy specimen when viewed under a microscope. A granuloma may be benign or malignant. Granulomas can occur throughout the body. Two types of granulomas commonly seen in dermatology include:

Pyogenic Granuloma. A common skin growth that is not a true granuloma, a pyogenic granuloma looks like a small, reddish bump on the skin that tends to bleed. It may be caused by an injury to the skin. It is most frequently found on the hands, arms and face. In some cases, the nodule will spontaneously disappear. More often, the lesion needs to be removed surgically.

Granuloma Annulare. This type of true granuloma can occur in any person, but is more common in children and young adults. It is characterized by a ring-shaped lesion that is round and firm; an elevated or rolled border of reddish, skin colored, or purplish skin surrounds a clear central area of normal or atrophic skin. It can appear individually or in groups. Most often, it appears on the tops of the hands and the feet, as well as on the elbows and knees. Most people have no symptoms, although some may experience itching. Granuloma annulare can resolve itself and may or may not disappear over time, with or without treatment. However, if the lesions are symptomatic, widespread, or aesthetically undesirable, your dermatologist may prescribe a corticosteroid cream or inject corticosteroids into the lesions to speed their resolution. Widespread or "disseminated" granuloma annulare may respond to light treatments such as ultraviolet B or "PUVA", in which a medication called psoralen is given and then the lesions are exposed to ultraviolet A light.

Dermatology & Dermatologic Surgery - 1822 Good Hope Road, Enola, PA 17025 - 717-763-7685