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Granuloma Annulare — SCE Dermatology MCQ

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EasyInflammatory DermatosesGranuloma AnnulareSCE Dermatology

A 50-year-old woman has granuloma annulare. She has noticed that her lesions spontaneously resolved over 18 months. What is the natural history of localised granuloma annulare?

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Correct answer: AMost localised GA resolves spontaneously within 2 years without treatment (approximately 50-75% self-resolve)

Localised granuloma annulare has an excellent prognosis — approximately 50-75% of cases resolve spontaneously within 2 years. For this reason, active treatment is often not necessary, and reassurance is the primary management. Recurrence at the same or different sites occurs in approximately 40% after spontaneous resolution. Active treatment (potent topical/intralesional corticosteroids, cryotherapy) is reserved for symptomatic, cosmetically bothersome, or persistent lesions. Generalised GA is more treatment-resistant and less likely to spontaneously resolve — options include phototherapy, Hydroxychloroquine, Dapsone, and isotretinoin. The diabetes association is debated but screening is reasonable.

Reference: BAD 2018 Patient Information