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A case of disseminated granuloma annulare successfully treated with acitretin and narrowband UV-B phototherapy

Marie Claudine Francesca B. Perlas, MD,Elisabeth Ryan, MD, Johannes F. Dayrit, MD, FPDS, Maria Teresita G. Gabriel, MD, FPDS

Abstract

Introduction:

Granuloma annulare (GA) is a benign, inflammatory skin condition characterized by asymptomatic, flesh colored or erythematous papules. The disseminated variant of granuloma annulare is uncommon, usually affecting women older than 40 years.

 

Case:

We report a case of a 52-year-old female, who presented with a 4-year history of skin colored to erythematous papules and annular plaques covering the entire skin surface. Correlation of the clinical presentation, histopathology and dermoscopy findings established the diagnosis of disseminated granuloma annulare. The patient was treated with 25 sessions of narrowband ultraviolet-B (NB-UVB) phototherapy and acitretin 20mg/day for 5 months.

 

Conclusion:

Both histopathology and dermoscopy were noted to be valuable tools in the diagnosis of disseminated GA, as well as in monitoring response to the combined therapy.

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A case of disseminated granuloma annulare successfully treated with acitretin and narrowband UV-B phototherapy