Loading...Q. My 53-year-old daughter has been diagnosed with a skin condition called granuloma annulare. It looks like red circular patches on her arms or legs. She was told there is nothing that can be done to treat it.
This is quite embarrassing, since she works in sales and must interact with the public. People shy away. Is there any way to get rid of this red scourge?
A. Doctors have no idea what causes granuloma annulare. It can be unsightly because the red bumps occur on hands, feet, legs and arms. It is not dangerous or catching and may disappear on its own.
Dermatologists may treat this skin condition with topical or injected steroids. Years ago we heard from a woman about a home remedy:
“I have been struggling with a skin condition called granuloma annulare. After three years, two dermatologists and a lot of frustration, I found an article that said viruses do not like acid and granuloma annulare was considered viral.
“I put two and two together and decided to try white vinegar. I soaked my hands in the vinegar fifteen minutes every day for a month. The results were amazing. After one month, 85 percent of the lesions are gone from my hands.”
A listener to our radio show reported that Vagisil also worked on granuloma annulare. This over-the-counter treatment for vaginal infections contains resorcinol, an antimicrobial ingredient with antifungal activity. We don’t know if either approach would help your daughter, but the risks are low.
Diane S.
KY.
Is there not no creams or some form of makeup that will cover the spots? I use concealer on them when I go out covers some but not sure what to get that would be better.
Spot
CO
When I was first diagnosed, I stopped drinking diet coke… curious if others are drinking this liquid. I had not seen any flare ups since, but the spots are on the back of my hands and on my legs, and wrists. They’ve been there for about 3 years. Interesting about the flu shot, I had not had one until I was pregnant with my son, but did notice my first flare up on my knees when he was one.
Definitely noticed a couple more flare ups after having occasional flu shots. Think I will try home remedies & gluten free diet, wish I could make them go away. I know quite a few people in the medical industry that are forced to have a flu shot that do not like to have them.
Any awesome news flash, that made the spots go away??? Sadly the skin is our largest organ, if this is what our skin is doing what is wrong with us? I guess, I’m just not happy with the spots.. :?
Pat
N.B , Canada
I have had GA for around 15 years . I wondered if anyone has tried colloidal silver ?
Kathleen
North Carolina
There has to be a study to this crazy skin disease. I am 55–and in my third year of GA. I have it severely in the summer on my elbows. In the winter, it goes away. This past summer, I have developed it on my ankles. I am really worried. I have tried the ACvinegar–frankincense oil–which seems to make them less angry, but they do not go away.
I just do not understand why this disease is not being studied.
Frances
Australia
I am 71 and diagnosed with GA on hands this past year. GP was no help except to diagnose but no suggested treatment. Friend sent me some manuka honey in ointment which worked initially; then, I tried the ACVinegar which just irritated; then, just recently saw a suggestion about spraying with colloidal silver. This worked to get rid of the redness and the itch by spraying 3 times a day.
No more Granuloma Annulare
USA
I’ve had GA on my upper arms for one year. Steroid injections and prescription cream didn’t work.
Last week I decided to try intense home remedies for overall health. I drink 2oz aloe juice and 1tablespoon Bragg’s apple cider vinegar twice daily. I take curcumin (turmeric) once a day in pill form and I’ve steadily applied a mixture of acv, ginger, bentonite clay, aloe and msm sulfur powder to my affected areas. I also have tried to take a daily detox bath consisting of 2cups Epsom salt, 1 cup acv, 1 cup bentonite and a few drops of grapefruit essential oil, sometimes including lemon slices to lighten age spots.
I’ve been thoroughly pleased with the results after irritating the condition to draw it to the surface. I’m now focused on healing the scabbed areas (I have about 12 rings total). I’ve been applying pure aloe gel anytime they feel itchy and today I purchased colloidal silver to expedite topical healing and hopefully minimize scarring. It has been a time investment for sure but I’m thankful I was led to this regimen and it works. Blessings to all who suffer with this. It certainly doesn’t make you look forward to short sleeve weather but I do now. This combination is really working for my skin and I use coconut oil as well.
Spot
This was a year ago, did it continue to work?
Karen
Seattle
I was diagnosed with GA in 1989 when I was in my early 30s. It started on my fingers, moved to my ankles, feet, wrists and the inside of the thighs. My dermatologist tried almost everything available at the time-cortisone injections, cutting them out and nothing worked. My fingers were horrible looking. I gave up trying to treat them.
Around the same time I began experiencing a reaction to my annual flu shot. I stopped getting the vaccine in about 1996. My GA was gone by 2001. I didn’t have another flu shot until last year (October 2014). My GA appeared on the front of my ankle late last winter (about February 2015). This fall (October 2015) I received another flu shot and I now have a big nodule on my right middle finger as well as the nodules on my right ankle. Reading the information on the People’s Pharmacy today I am wondering if the disappearance of the GA and the re-occurrence have anything to do with my flu vaccinations.
Kim
Canada
I have had GA for over 5 years continually getting worse and in more areas. I have them now on the back of my hands which really makes me uncomfortable. I also have them on my feet, knees, under my arms and all ovee my torso. They are so ugly! I have tried a gluten free diet for about 5 months. The marks did get better and not so raised but they did not go away. This method is taking too long. Would love to here of something that would work faster.
L.M.
Virginia
Kim,
I have had G.A. for about 2 years. I have never taken either a flu shot nor a pneumonia shot. Your case may have nothing to do with the shots. I have found nothing to work for me. I have it all over my body, except my face, so far. Good Luck.
ANN A.
kcmo
I have had granuloma annulare for 8 years. It is on my face and other parts of my body. have been using cream issued by the dermatologist. what kind of antibiotics did someone use? This stuff is terrible. I think heat infuriates mine. Wish it would go away.
Kristen
Kentucky
I have struggled with GA for going on 4 years. I am currently in college and with my major I have to be around children a lot. This makes it difficult because they’re always asking me about it. I have went to numerous dermatologists and tried multiple treatments! Nothing has worked! I literally have them all over my body and they only get bigger. I’m only 22 years old and absolutely hate my body because of them.
Miss N
United Kingdom
Hi…I’m glad I found this thread! I have a rare condition called Granuloma Faciale which is similar to Granuloma Annular and I’ve seen a derm who took 2 biopsies of my face and offered no treatment! She wanted to take a third… and to take pics to a meeting of derms and I felt like a guinea pig so said no.
I want to try this vinegar treatment before I seek a 2nd opinion… from a derm who won’t take chunks out of my face so freely! It’s very upsetting and I feel ugly. :( mine affects me cheek area and though it’s not that bad it is very noticeable… red, raised patches with open pores. I was tested for Lupus and a lot of other stuff and all came back clear….
Anita
Derbyshire
Hi
I have granuloma faciale on my nose. Could you please tell me if you have found anything that helps? Thanks.
azweasel
I have had this for 2 wks now and consulted online with a certified derma. and he said it was GA and to get it checked with my own derma. which I did and she confirmed and did biopsy. Will get results in 7-10 days. Hope this won’t last long.
My Infotrish
I’ve had this skin condition for a few years and its ugly, just started apple cider vinegar, will give update, I really wish the people that have had great results. Such as chinese herb, or antibiotics. Would be more specific and not leave the rest of us in the dark. Pls break down completely for us!!!!!!!!!
Cindy
Please help me with how to get rid of this G.A. I have had it for almost 3 years and it is on my back, legs, and arms. It started to clear up with the help of some medications recommended by my dermotoligist. Then he changed the dosage on it to 1 time a day and now it is starting to come back all over again. The only time it itches is when a new spot starts to show up. I am a heart patient so I am afraid to try too many over the counter medications. But I would like to get rid of it or good. PLEASE HELP!!
Cherry
I’ve had generalized GA on my arms for several years now (I am 45). It usually goes away on its own but lately it’s been coming back worse than ever. The papules are spreading further and staying longer! I have tried tea tree oil (topical) which dries them out but doesn’t get rid of them; Milk of Magnesia (topical) which does same; apple cider vinegar (both topical and ingested); hydrocortisone; zinc oxide. None of these things worked. I’m wondering if the condition is an allergic reaction, perhaps a reaction to gluten or wheat? I’ve noticed that the papules aren’t nearly as red or noticeable when I eat a lot of fruit. My dermatologist doesn’t have any answers for GA either, except to use steroid creams which I don’t want to do. I guess I’ll keep trying various home remedies and eating more fruit until something works permanently!
Lee
Hello everyone,
Wow I am not alone with this condition. I have had GA for over ’25 years.
I have tried so many different things from Acutain to injections and creams and uv baths and some of the stains faded away but the older ones are still there. This condition is unknown. I have a very good dermatologist and still today I am still struggling with all these stains. I have spent my 30’s and my 40’s with this condition and still today. I really hope that one day they will find a way to stop this condition. For me it’s long dresses and pants and Thanks God nothing ever appeared on my face xo. If anyone finds a way to get these little buggers under control please let us all know xo
Thanks
Lee
bac
PLEASE tell us what was in the antibiotic shot from your dermie?? I’ve had this going on 4 yrs all over my body, which came on right after a flu shot. It’s even spread to my face.
Thanks, BAC
Shirley
My generalized GA started 3 years ago after a series of skin tests for allergies. (see comment: March 2011) I still think that was a contributing factor to skin problems that covered my torso. After trying different things unsuccessfully, like Acutane, per dermatologist’s guidance, finally my GP worked with me using descending strengths of oral prednisone, helping when nothing else did. I don’t take it anymore unless there is a flareup.
My allergies, (…to everything!) with terrible nasal congestion, are keeping me up all night, and I feel groggy from antihistamines.
Any suggestion for help there, so I can breathe without all the pills and sprays?
Margie
Have had GA for several yrs. and am getting more of them. Dermatologist (who is also a professor of dermatology at local university) says GA is an auto-immune skin disorder . It is often found in diabetics. My blood sugars are normal but creeping up. We tried cortisone injections and clobetasol oint. to no avail. Have not tried anything else. If auto-immune disorder than who knows why or what to do. Another way our bodies are reacting to our polluted environment. So good luck to others and wouldn’t hurt to try home remedies.
JC
Wow, I have a similar rare skin disorder granuloma faciale, same type of cycsts/bumbs but they are on facial skin, not the body. I have a pretty good dermatologist and at times have gotten it under control with cryo (freezing) or laser treatments.
There isn’t one definitive treatment for this type of skin disorder. It’s cause is unknown and different people respond different ways to each treatment.
My dermatologist also tried a treatment on me with a lot of anti-biotics-didn’t work on me, made me feel sick sometimes and the bumps got worse. I have been seeing him for years. In general the lasers work, but I have to have it done quite often at times if they flare up. I’ve also used a prescription topical treatment called tacrolimus, worked quite well too to reduce the redness. So don’t give up, try different treatments and if need be try a different dermatologist, I had tried another dermatologist before my current dermie.
It began on me at about age 35. I’ve learned so much about it just through a lot of research via internet for treatments. I have had it for almost 9 years.
Good luck
Meliza
HELP!!! I have GA for over 7 years now. Been frustrated so many times. I’ve tried 3 different dermatologists and no luck. Not too long ago I was diagnosed with Diabetes as well. Been reading a lot about this condition and can cause several skin problems like GA. I am now using another topical solution to see if it works. But can someone please share the antibiotics that was used to cure this awful skin problem?
Kay
Did you ever find out what kind of antibiotics he gave to you.
brandi
Hi did the vinegar work for you?
ERA
I am so happy to hear that there may be a cure! I have had GA on my forearm for about 5 years now, and it can be embarrassing. :(
I will try the white vinegar treatment…. and post in the future on my progress.
Thank you!
MKH
I was wondering if you had any reoccurrence of the GA since the antibiotic shots?
MKH
Father William
Shirley,
Received your query a few weeks ago which was at a point where I had just recently begun to take vitamin A for a to balance my immune system. Unexpectedly the vitamin A had had the effect of limiting a skin condition that seems to be something like generalized ga. So I have been waiting to see what worked out. Bottom line is that after the initial positive results the vitamin A stopped having any impact.
Shirley
I am 72 years old and have had generalized GA for about 6 months. I had taken allergy skin tests (about 40 needles) and I still think that my skin wanted to react in September. (most of the sites were “positive”). The 2 biopsies done in December gave the true diagnosis of GA, which I had never heard of.
My lesions cover the area that is torso and upper legs, covered in most part by everyday clothes. I fear that the years will go by without a cure. I have been given Accutane to work systemically, but it has made me so tired that I am discontinuing it this month with the dermatologist’s knowledge. Now back to searching again….what was that antibiotic??!!
sarah r
I am also interested to know what antibiotic was used to clear up GA. I have had Generalized GA for 4 years now and its slowly creeping all over my body. There’s very little I haven’t tried,.. eastern and western medicines, holistic approaches.. so any suggestions would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Sarah
cw
What kind of antibiotic did he give you?
H. Hardesty
Dear Joe Graedon,
I must tell you about my granulola annulare that appeared on my legs and back 17 years ago. I doctored with a skin specialist for over a year, just using a topical ointment, but to no avail… nothing.
One day he came in with a big smile on his face and when I asked him why he was so happy, he told me he had heard the cure was antibiotics.
He gave me a shot of some kind of antibiotics. I can’t remember if it was just the one shot or not, but my spots disappeared completely.
Just wanted to let you know.
P. S. Read you all the time.
Father William
The term Annulares Granuloma caught my attention since I had been looking into similar conditions out of curiosity. So I looked it up in Google and then, on a whim, searched the term combined with vitamin D. I found three or four citations from people who stated that they had been cured by taking vitamin D, so thought you might be interested. People’s Pharmacy has a booklet about vitamin d, and another excellent source is to search for the Vitamin Council.
Vitamin D3 has changed my high blood pressure from being diagnosed as out of control to a point only slightly too high. I’m in my mid*80’s, so I am happy to settle for that. All of which means that I am always interested in investigation as to what else vitamin D can do. I do know that the Vitamin D Council says that is very safe (unless one takes more than 50,000 IUs a day
cpmt
I would try vicks vapor rub or tree tea oil… at least she can try. it may help.
rosie
West yorkshire
Hi I have had Gone. A for 5 years I have tried everything and I was that desperate I have started having reiki sessions …..and the marks are fading .. I am amazed . Reiki is a faith healing treatment which clears out your chackras .. nothing else has worked and believe me I have tried .. tablets.creams.vagisil.cider vinegar . . Sunbed sessions at the hospital . Please don’t dismiss this treatment as hocus pocus . It worked for me