Granuloma annulare is a rash that often looks like a ring of small pink, purple or skin-coloured bumps.

It usually appears on the back of the hands, feet, elbows or ankles. The rash isn’t usually painful, but it can be slightly itchy. It’s not contagious and usually gets better on its own within a few months.

Granuloma annulare is more common in children and young adults, although it can affect people of all ages. It’s about twice as common in women.

The tissue underneath the top layer of skin (dermis) becomes hypersensitive and inflamed. It’s not clear what causes the skin to react in this way.