Granuloma annulare: a rare occipital lesion in infants and children

Subcutaneous granuloma annulare is a rare scalp lesion that occurs in infants and children. Occurrence in the occipital region, absence of bone involvement, slow growth, and foci of necrosis of collagen surrounded by palisading granulomatous inflammation are characteristic of this lesion. Although the cause remains unknown, it is not infectious and is more likely due to a defect in cell-mediated immunity. The prognosis after excision is excellent. Increased awareness that this peculiar granulomatous lesion can rarely occur in the soft tissue of the occipital region will help prevent confusion with neoplastic or infectious processes.