Granuloma annulare: Signs and symptoms

Most people develop this type, which causes a raised ring-shaped patch on the skin. Many of these patches are reddish in color (A), but they can also be pink, violet, or skin-colored (B).

Before you see the rash, you may notice bumps on your skin. These bumps join together to form the rash.

Some people develop widespread bumps on their skin that grow together to form large patches, such as shown here. The patches appear in many colors, including skin-colored, reddish pink, violet, or yellow.

When this type develops, you often see a roundish, firm, and usually painless lump in the skin. You may have a single mass or clusters of lumps. Most lumps stay the same for months, but a lump can also grow quickly. The lumps tend to be flesh-colored, pink, or red.

This rare type usually develops on the hands and fingers. It causes small bumps that often feel scaly. The bumps may leak fluid, itch, or feel painful. Some people have a few bumps. Others develop widespread bumps that join together to form raised patches on the skin. When this type clears, it may leave scars on the skin.

When this rare type develops, you see one or more patches on the skin. The patches may be red, reddish brown, or violet. Some people have one or a few patches; others have widespread patches.