From the Research
There is currently no established scientific evidence linking Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) exposure to granuloma annulare. Granuloma annulare is a benign inflammatory skin condition characterized by raised, reddish or flesh-colored bumps that form ring patterns on the skin, most commonly on the hands and feet. The exact cause of granuloma annulare remains unknown, though it is believed to involve immune system dysfunction. While AFFF contains per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) that have been associated with various health concerns including immune system effects, hormone disruption, and certain cancers, no direct causal relationship between AFFF exposure and granuloma annulare has been documented in medical literature 1.
If you develop skin lesions resembling granuloma annulare after AFFF exposure, you should consult a dermatologist for proper diagnosis and treatment, which typically involves topical corticosteroids, intralesional steroid injections, or other therapies depending on severity. The dermatologist would also need to evaluate whether the skin condition is truly granuloma annulare or potentially another dermatological reaction. Recent studies have shown that tapinarof cream 1% can be an effective treatment for granuloma annulare, targeting the specific inflammatory and immunologic mechanisms that underlie the pathogenesis of the disease 1.
Some key points to consider in the diagnosis and treatment of granuloma annulare include:
- The condition is benign and self-limiting, but can be persistent and recurrent
- Treatment options include topical corticosteroids, intralesional steroid injections, and other therapies such as tapinarof cream 1% or narrowband UVB phototherapy 2, 1
- The dermatologist should evaluate the skin condition to determine the best course of treatment and rule out other potential causes of the lesions
- There is no established link between AFFF exposure and granuloma annulare, but individuals with concerns about their skin health after AFFF exposure should consult a dermatologist for proper evaluation and treatment.