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Tests and diagnosis
By Mayo Clinic staffIn many cases, your doctor can diagnose granuloma annulare by examining the affected skin. To confirm a case of granuloma annulare or rule out other conditions, your doctor may recommend these tests:
- KOH test. In this test, your doctor scrapes your skin with a glass slide to collect dead skin cells. The skin cells are mixed with potassium hydroxide (KOH) and viewed under a microscope to help determine if you have a fungal infection.
- Skin biopsy. In this test, a small sample of the affected skin is removed. The skin sample is examined under a microscope to confirm a diagnosis of granuloma annulare.
References
- Granuloma annulare. American Academy of Dermatology. http://www.aad.org/public/publications/pamphlets/common_granuloma.html. Accessed April 25, 2010.
- Granuloma annulare. American Osteopathic College of Dermatology. http://www.aocd.org/skin/dermatologic_diseases/granuloma_annulare.html. Accessed April 25, 2010.
- Prendiville JS. Granuloma annulare: Introduction. In: Wolff K, et al. Fitzpatrick's Dermatology in General Medicine. 7th ed. New York, N.Y.: The McGraw-Hill Companies; 2008. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=2959059&searchStr=granuloma+annulare#2959059. Accessed April 26, 2010.
- Granuloma annulare. The Merck Manuals: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merck.com/mmpe/sec10/ch117/ch117g.html. Accessed April 25, 2010.
- Popovich D, et al. Accurately diagnosing commonly misdiagnosed circular rashes. Dermatology Nursing. 2008;20:294.
- Borfitz JM. Commonly missed dermatologic conditions. Nurse Practitioner. 2009;34:35.
- Gibson LE (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. April 29, 2010.
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