Common Misdiagnoses of Granuloma Annulare

Granuloma Annulare is a chronic skin disease characterized by raised reddish bumps (lesions) that form ring patterns on the hands, feet, knees or elbows. Other than these lesions which can be cosmetically unappealing, the condition is usually asymptomatic. These lesions may disappear on their own in a year or two. However, there are treatments for the condition. Although a specific cause for the condition is not known, those with diabetes or thyroid diseases are more at risk. The condition is more likely to affect women and children. Widespread granuloma annulare (multiple lesions) usually occur in those who are age 40 or older.

Diagnosis of the condition is pivotal to diagnosing and treating an underlying disease or condition. If granuloma annulare is not diagnosed, the hidden cause may go untreated and complications may arise.

Common Misdiagnoses of Granuloma Annulare

Diagnosis of granuloma annulare may be as simple as a sight examination. The doctor should be able to detect the condition by looking over the affected areas. However, to affirm the diagnosis, the doctor may also order a KOH test, which entails the skin being scraped with a glass slide to collect dead skin cells. These cells are then mixed with potassium hydroxide (KOH) and viewed beneath a microscope to determine whether there is an infection present. Another test is a skin biopsy, in which a sample of affected skin is removed and examined.

As noted previously, the condition, although cosmetically unappealing, is not harmful in itself. However, it may be the symptom of a condition that could prove harmful if left untreated. Therefore, a proper diagnosis of granuloma annulare is pivotal in treating any hidden disease or disorder. It is not uncommon for granuloma annulare to be mistaken for another condition, such as Lyme disease (a bacterial infection) or ringworm (a fungal infection). Treatments for either of these infections may not be a proper treatment for granuloma annulare.

Once granuloma annulare is diagnosed, no treatment needs to be prescribed (except for treatment of the underlying cause). However, the appearance of the lesions may bother the patient. The doctor may then prescribe corticosteroid creams or ointments to improve the appearance of the lesions and speed up their disappearance. If the lesions are thicker than usual, the corticosteroid may be injected. As a final option, the lesions may be applied with liquid nitrogen (cryotherapy) with a cotton tip applicator or through a spray. The liquid nitrogen freezes the lesions which makes it easy to remove them and stimulate new skin growth.

Talk to an Attorney

If your granuloma annulare was not properly diagnosed, and an underlying condition, such as diabetes or thyroid disease, went unchecked and you suffered complications as a result, you may be able to get damages for medical costs arising from the delayed treatment. Other costs that are recoverable are any lost wages or any pain and suffering that arise from an exacerbated case of diabetes or thyroid problems. Talk with an attorney to discuss your possible case.