Granuloma Faciale - Symptoms, Causes & Treatment
Medically reviewed by Dr. Anand S. Urhekar, MD, MD Pathology, Clinical Advisor · Last updated July 2026
An uncommon chronic inflammatory condition producing smooth, soft, red-brown plaques on the face, usually on the cheeks, nose or forehead, with prominent follicular openings giving an orange-peel texture. It is benign but persistent and can be mistaken for lupus, sarcoidosis or skin cancer.
Concerned this might be granuloma faciale? Scan it with our AI skin checker or, for moles and pigmented spots, our AI mole checker. Free, no signup required.
Quick Answer
Granuloma faciale is a rare, benign inflammatory condition causing smooth red-brown plaques on the face with visible enlarged pores. It is harmless but persistent and needs a biopsy to distinguish it from lupus, sarcoidosis and skin cancer. Treatment options include potent topical or intralesional corticosteroids, topical tacrolimus, dapsone and laser, though response is often incomplete.
Symptoms
- Smooth red-brown or violet plaques
- Prominent follicular openings (orange-peel look)
- Usually on cheeks, nose or forehead
- Slow growth, generally asymptomatic
- Chronic and persistent over years
Causes & Risk Factors
- Unknown; believed to be a localised small-vessel vasculitis
- Possible role of ultraviolet exposure
- Most common in middle-aged fair-skinned adults
Treatment & Management
- Intralesional or potent topical corticosteroids
- Topical tacrolimus
- Oral dapsone
- Pulsed dye or CO2 laser
- Cryotherapy or surgical excision in selected cases
When to See a Doctor
See a dermatologist about any persistent facial plaque. Biopsy is important, because lupus, sarcoidosis and some skin cancers can look identical.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is granuloma faciale cancerous?
No. It is entirely benign. However, its appearance overlaps with conditions that are not, so a biopsy is standard practice before treatment.
Does it respond well to treatment?
Response varies. Intralesional steroids and dapsone help many patients, but relapse after stopping is common and multiple treatment approaches are often tried.
Related Conditions
Medical References
Information on this page is sourced from and verified against reputable medical resources:
Concerned About Your Skin?
Upload a photo and get instant AI-powered analysis across 80+ skin conditions. Track your condition over time with photo timelines, or use our dedicated AI mole checker for moles and pigmented lesions.
Medical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. The content on this page should not be used to diagnose or treat any health problem. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for proper medical evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of your condition.