[Localized granuloma annulare in children: outcome in 30 cases].

Background: The outcome of granuloma annulare in childhood is not well defined.

Population And Methods: A questionnaire was sent to the family of 40 children under 15 years of age examined for granuloma annulare from 1987 to 1992. Thirty of them answered, permitting a retrospective study.

Results: The sex-ratio F:M was 1.3:1. Ages ranged from 1 to 13 years (mean: 4.5 years). Lesions developed before the age of 5 years in 76.7% of cases. Involved sites were essentially the back of hands and feet; lesions were unique in half of the cases. No association with diabetes mellitus was found. Three familial cases were observed. Duration of lesions varied from 6 months to 7 years (mean: 2.5 years). Age at onset, sex, biopsy and treatment had no influence on outcome.

Conclusion: Granuloma annulare in children is a benign disorder but its course may last up to several years.