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At Healthfully, we strive to deliver objective content that is accurate and up-to-date. Our team periodically reviews articles in order to ensure content quality. The sources cited below consist of evidence from peer-reviewed journals, prominent medical organizations, academic associations, and government data.
- MayoClinic.com: Granuloma Annulare
- MayoClinic.com: Diabetes: Diabetes Diet: Creating your Healthy-Eating Plan
- MayoClinic.com: Diabetes: Symptoms
The information contained on this site is for informational purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for the advice of a professional health care provider. Please check with the appropriate physician regarding health questions and concerns. Although we strive to deliver accurate and up-to-date information, no guarantee to that effect is made.
Granuloma Annulare & Diet
Granuloma annulare, or GA, is a skin condition that presents as reddish or skin-tone bumps 3. Although it is unclear whether there is a relationship between diet and this illness, there is an association between granuloma annulare and diabetes mellitus 3. Diet is an important part of the treatment protocol for diabetes. Managing your blood sugar through diet may help to control outbreaks and keep lesions to a minimum.
If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.
Granuloma Annulare
Granuloma annulare affects appearance more than overall health. MayoClinic.com reports that this condition has no long-term effect but can be unsightly 2. Sufferers from granuloma annulare develop raised lesions that may form ring patterns over their hands and feet. Skin might itch slightly. When the lesions spread over the body, this is known as generalized granuloma annulare. The exact cause of outbreaks is unknown, but many patients with this condition also have diabetes mellitus. According to MayoClinic.com, there are no other health concerns or symptoms with granuloma annulare 2.
Diabetes Mellitus
Causes of a Skin Rash on Hands and Feet
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Diabetes mellitus is a catch-all phase for a group of illnesses that affect the body’s processing of glucose, or blood sugar. Chronic diabetes are generally type I or type II. Type I diabetes is an immune system disorder. The system attacks insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. This leaves the individual unable to produce insulin. Type II occurs later in life. With type II diabetes, the cells change and become resistant to insulin. The organ responsible for insulin, the pancreas, cannot produce enough to effectively process sugar in the blood. Both conditions are associated with the development of granuloma annulare 3.
- Diabetes mellitus is a catch-all phase for a group of illnesses that affect the body’s processing of glucose, or blood sugar.
- With type II diabetes, the cells change and become resistant to insulin.
Symptoms
Since granuloma annulare often occurs in those who develop diabetes, it is important to know the symptoms of the latter disease 2. These vary based on the type of diabetes you have, but in general they include:
- increased thirst
- frequent urination
- excessive hunger
- weight loss
- fatigue
- vision blurring
- sores that will not heal
- an increase in infections
- such as bladder
- skin or vaginal
If you have diabetes, you can identify granuloma annulare by watching for raised bumps that will develop in a circular or ring pattern. The lesions from granuloma take a few months to heal.
- Since granuloma annulare often occurs in those who develop diabetes, it is important to know the symptoms of the latter disease 2.
- These vary based on the type of diabetes you have, but in general they include: * increased thirst
* frequent urination
* excessive hunger
* weight loss
* fatigue
* vision blurring
* sores that will not heal
* an increase in infections
* such as bladder
* skin or vaginal If you have diabetes, you can identify granuloma annulare by watching for raised bumps that will develop in a circular or ring pattern.
Diet
What Are the Causes of Face Rash?
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There is little proof that diet can prevent lesions from developing. Diet is an important part of managing diabetes, however. A 1985 study published in "Diabetes Care" investigated the effect of glucose tolerance on granuloma annulare 3. The researchers found that there may be increased insulin resistance in those who develop granuloma annulare. It is possible, but not proven, that following the diet protocol for diabetes can not only improve your glucose levels but may control outbreaks of GA lesions as well. Diabetics must follow a diet rich in nutrients and low in fat. MayoClinic.com recommends that those with diabetes focus on fruits, vegetable, whole grains, legumes and low-fat dairy product 2. Dietary fiber helps control blood sugar levels.
- There is little proof that diet can prevent lesions from developing.
- A 1985 study published in "Diabetes Care" investigated the effect of glucose tolerance on granuloma annulare 3.
Treatments for GA
Granuloma annulare usually disappear son its own, according to MayoClinic.com 2. If the rash is itchy or causes other problems, your doctor may suggest a corticosteroid cream or give you an injection of the drug. Another option includes cryotherapy, or freezing of the lesions. Cryotherapy should remove the lesions and stimulate new cell growth. In some cases, light therapy has proven effective. One treatment program, known as psoralen plus ultraviolet A, combines ultraviolet light with a drug to promote healing.
- Granuloma annulare usually disappear son its own, according to MayoClinic.com 2.
- Cryotherapy should remove the lesions and stimulate new cell growth.
Related Articles
References
- MayoClinic.com: Diabetes: Diabetes Diet: Creating your Healthy-Eating Plan
- MayoClinic.com: Diabetes: Symptoms
- American Diabetes Association: Diabetes Care: Glucose Tolerance in Granuloma Annulare
- Duff M, Demidova O, Blackburn S, Shubrook J. Cutaneous manifestations of diabetes mellitus. Clin Diabetes. 2015;33(1):40-8. doi:10.2337/diaclin.33.1.40
- Rosen J, Yosipovitch G. Skin manifestations of diabetes mellitus. In: Feingold KR, Anawalt B, Boyce A, et al., editors. Endotext [Internet]. South Dartmouth (MA): MDText.com, Inc.; 2000-. Updated January 4, 2018.
- American Diabetes Association. Skin complications.
- Alirezaei P, Farshchian M. Granuloma annulare: Relationship to diabetes mellitus, thyroid disorders and tuberculin skin test. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2017;10:141-145. doi:10.2147/CCID.S129187
Writer Bio
Writing since 1999, Darla Ferrara is an award-winning author who specializes in health, diet, fitness and computer technology. She has been published in "Mezzo Magazine" and Diet Spotlight, as well as various online magazines. Ferrara studied biology and emergency medical technology at the University of Nebraska and Southeast Community College.