Granulomas-blog

Tips for Managing Granulomas

Granulomas: Harmless, But Irritating

If you’ve noticed one or more raised bumps or lumps underneath a specific area of your skin—especially a bony area—you may be dealing with a granuloma. Granulomas are small groups of immune cells that can form for a variety of reasons, including previous infections or injuries.

Granulomas are generally harmless and may eventually resolve on their own. However, they can also be unsightly or become irritated, so understanding how to manage them is essential. The skin experts of The Skin Surgery Center would be happy to help you treat a granuloma you’re concerned about. In the meantime, here are some helpful tips to know.

Tip 1: Understand How to Identify Granulomas

Not all granulomas are the same, so it’s a good idea to know which type you have before implementing management techniques. Granuloma annulare are generally the most common, most often presenting as a lump, bump, or rash. They can be pink, yellow, or flesh-colored and are most likely to appear on the hands, fingers, legs, feet, and elbows.

Granulomas annulare frequently disappear on their own without treatment. However, it’s not uncommon for them to return in the future. Other types of granulomas include pyogenic granulomas, which present as fast-growing clusters of blood vessels on the skin. You can also develop granulomas in response to foreign bodies embedded in the skin.

Tip 2: Reduce Friction and Trauma

It's important to keep fiction and other forms of irritation to a minimum. If the granuloma is under your clothes, choose loose-fitting, soft, breathable fabrics that won’t rub it or further irritate it. You can also cover the granuloma with a clean bandage if it’s uncomfortable or you feel self-conscious.

Keep the area clean and dry. Avoid exposing it to chemicals or other substances that may cause or aggravate inflammation.
 

There’s a lot your doctor or dermatologist can do to treat or help you manage a granuloma. Popular options include the following:

Topical treatments: Your doctor may prescribe a corticosteroid cream or ointment to help ease discomfort and irritation.

Steroid injections: Where appropriate, corticosteroid injections can help manage persistent or hard-to-treat granulomas.

Antibiotics: If your granuloma is infected or could be related to another underlying infection, an antibiotic prescription may be in order.

Light therapy: Ultraviolet light therapy can help reduce the degree of skin inflammation and aid in healing.

Freezing: If the patient prefers removal and their doctor recommends it, a specialist can freeze the granuloma with liquid nitrogen. However, this approach can leave a permanent scar.

Generally speaking, the recommended medical treatment for granuloma varies from situation to situation. Your doctor will consider your type, possible factors that may have caused it, and your skin goals when recommending different options.

If you suspect you have a granuloma, management should always involve a visit to a skin specialist to be on the safe side and ensure appropriate treatment. The Skin Surgery Center can help. Schedule an appointment with us today.

Skin-Cancer-10

Schedule Your Skin Care Appointment Today

Let us help you manage your skin conditions effectively.

General Dermatology Skin Care Chronic Skin Conditions