Granuloma annulare (GA) is a common inflammatory skin disorder of unknown etiology involving the dermis or subcutaneous tissues. The disease is seen in children and adults, and incidence peaks in the third or fourth decade of life. The condition is more common in girls than boys.

Several variants of GA exist, including localized (the most common), generalized, subcutaneous, perforating, macular, vesicular, palmoplantar, and blaschkolinear variants. Generalized forms of GA are more chronic or persistent than localized forms. Palmoplantar GA can be painful. The subcutaneous variant occurs almost exclusively in children and favors the lower extremities. Overall, the most common GA variants seen in children are the localized and subcutaneous variants. The localized variant is reported to be most common in children aged 3 years and older and adolescents, and the subcutaneous type is most common in infants and toddlers.  

Human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-Bw35 has been associated with generalized GA and thyroid disease.

GA may have a prolonged course, but lesions tend to spontaneously resolve without scarring.