Granuloma Annulare Home Remedies

Hydrogen Peroxide

Posted by Kristi (Coos Bay, Oregon) on 04/30/2018
★★★★★

My problem began after I cut my right index finger knuckle on a piece of sharp glass (drying a drilling glass and it broke). The granuloma annulare began in that injury then traveled up and down my index finger and then toward my thumb. That cleared up unexpectedly then showed up in the knuckle of my left middle finger where no injury had ever occurred. My husband has been using food grade 30% (@?) hydrogen peroxide and so I dabbed some on my a.g. each day and it began to go away. It has almost disappeared. First remedy that I have tried and it worked!

Enzymes

Posted by Linda (Canada) on 02/09/2018
★★★★★

After 1 year of my husband having the worst case of GA the dermatologist had seen and after being ask d to attend a Dermatological convention for further consultation which had no results, he starting taking a supplement for candida made of multiple enzymes (Amylase, Cellulase,Glucoamylase,Hemicellulase ,Invertase, L-Leucine) which is an enzyme therapy with no side effects.

In days my husband stopped itching(he was itching constantly) and after 5 days his GA is disappearing and he feels so much better. I believe that this condition may be related to Candida. We tried numerous remedies after the usual steroid treatments did not work such as coconut oil, tea tree oil, apple cider vinegar, colloidal silver and though these helped relieve symptoms and did help some of the spots lessen, the disease persisted. It is a relatively inexpensive supplement.

Pregnenolone

Posted by Sm Hughes (Chesnee, Sc) on 07/07/2016
★★★★★

Have had some issues since 2010, minor and didn't worry over, as small spots came and went from arms and legs. About 2 years ago, I had major patches start on legs and connecting to each other from ankle to mid calf. Noticeable enough for people to ask about. Very Red and very noticeable. Arms which are freckled are scarred (I guess that would be correct) with small plain white circles because when a small circle leaves, it takes the freckles with it. Kept reading all of these posts and trying different things.

I have zero clue if 1 of these 2 things are the reason I am in fantastic shape or if it is a combination of both. I take 30mg Pregnenolone w/ my daily meds. I also spray Colloidal Silver on a cotton ball at night and rub it on legs and arms. I know nothing about these 2 items other than since I started about a month ago, arms are pretty clear, and my legs are smooth. You have to look hard to see anything now.

However, if I forget to swab the silver, they appear to get redder and can be seen. I am assuming if I can continue, things will leave. I have struggled with 2-3 fingerpads on each hand having the GA under the skin where it leaves a major ridge and is VERY painful. Since doing this, all fingers are clear. I did see a dermatologist, did the creams, said they would probably go away on their own, etc. and no real cure. Let him put shots into finger (thought I was going to die from the pain and I have a high thresh hold). Nothing helped. I am convinced my 2 options are working beautifully. I could be one or the other, but since I started them together, I don't know! I am thankful for this website and posts.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Posted by Susie (Pueblo Co) on 07/07/2015

I have read this whole forum and am off for lunch and buying Apple Cider Vinegar. You said it perfectly, totally distorting my inner spirit...I hate this...I have new spots everyday and hope this Apple Cider Vinegar works...I will post an update with my results. Sincerely, Susie

Dietary Changes

Posted by Kristie (Chattanooga, TN) on 11/06/2019
★★★★★

Editor's Choice

My husband has had GA for 12 plus years. He has tried eliminating certain things from his diet over periods of time.

His most recent elimination was peanuts and peanut oil (which means no eating out at his favorite chicken restaurant). His GA cleared up within 2 weeks. If you have this condition, then you can imagine how HAPPY he is!! He recently went to his dermatologist and told him about his apparent peanut connection. He just replied "Yes, it is an allergy of some kind but we never know what is causing it" Keep trying different things. I think it is more about something being eaten causing inflammation in the body. The problem is trying to figure out what it is for each person.

Gluten-Free

Posted by Sally (Tennessee) on 09/16/2016
★★★★★

I am a 63 yr old female with generalized granuloma annulare for 15 yrs now. It began as 1 lesion above my left knee and several on the back of my neck. Of course I've seen multiple doctors in multiple disciplines and tried countless medications. The only somewhat effective treatment has been oral steroids which can only be used temporarily. Over the yrs the lesions have spread absolutely everywhere. Symmetrically on hands, feet, shins, forearms, elbows. Showed up, stayed for months, destroyed the collagen and moved on to torment the next location. For the past 5 yrs my entire torso, upper thighs, and the back of my neck have been solidly covered.

I've tried removing several possible dietary offenders with no success, UNTIL 3 wks ago when I went gluten free. I can't believe this! My skin is actually clearing up! This is the most wonderful thing. Why has no one tested me for gluten sensitivity in all these yrs?

Gluten-Free

Posted by Erika Rose (Woodbury, Ct) on 02/08/2016
★★★★★

HI, I have had this condition on and off for a few years got worse as I got older. Last year I had a flare up and not knowing what it was I suffered for months. I went to many Dr's no help. I slathered everything on me to no avail. I was finally told to try no gluten. (I also have a thyroid condition) Well no gluten, no rash!!! Just a thought to try. It took about a month for the rash to go away and if I eat gluten I immediately get a rash on my legs.

Good luck!!

Gluten-Free

Posted by Karen K (Orange, Ct) on 03/07/2016

I have GA - going on 8 years. It started with one round spot on my left shin and spread to two more spots on my lower left leg. It eventually spread to my right leg. I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's - hypothyroidism over 35 years ago. Took Synthroid for many years, now taking generic Armor thyroid. I thought that I might have an allergy to the Synthroid causing the GA. I have tried a dozen creams, mega doses of B3 prescribed by a dematologist, which did nothing for my spots, but gave me acid reflux. I have recently been applying tea tree oil and thyme oil with a cotton ball to my spots. I am going to try applying the ACV topically on my legs, which are sometimes itchy. I also have fibromyalgia. Eating organic, getting a good night's sleep, avoiding sugar, processed foods and gluten all seem to help.

I recently developed symptoms of arthritis and psoriasis. I discovered that cashews and walnuts are high histamine foods, so now I'm not eating those anymore. I am also taking a multivitamin supplement, turmeric, MSM, calcium, magnesium, Vitamin E and drinking green tea. It's too bad that doctors seem clueless as to how to treat GA. It is comforting to know that there are other people out there with the same issues. Thank you for sharing your stories.

Helichrysum Oil

Posted by Carol (Delaware) on 11/01/2015
★★★★★

I stumbled upon helichrysum oil trying to heal poor hearing. It is supposed to do marvelous things, so I put it on my hands where the Granuloma Annulare is. I put in on maybe 3-5 days in a row just before bed and it immediately went away with no scaring or anything. I have just noticed a small spot on my hand so I will use the oil again tonight and think it should be gone in a couple of days. It had remained gone originally for over 2 years.

Vitamin D Spray, Probiotics and Vitamin C

Posted by Amy (Idaho, US) on 12/04/2014

My now 8 year old daughter has diagnosed with Granuloma Annulare 3 years ago. We found that using a Vitamin D spray at about 3 pumps at a time 1x a day, children's probiotics and 500-1000 mg. of Vitamin C that she is now symptom free.

My son who is nearly 19 is now breaking out all over with GA and I'm suspecting that it's because of his extremely high stress level and eating college food. Normally we don't eat any junk, but that has been added to his diet since eating dorm food. So he is now taking the Vitamin D spray. I do believe that since this is a auto-immune problem that the Vitamin D, probiotics and Vitamin C should help with his immune system and also help his "gut" where we need to start. It all makes sense. Why I have 2 children with GA doesn't make sense to me however. We are also starting Krill Oil and Oregano oil in capsule form to see if they have any benefit.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Posted by Ninatoughill (New Jersey) on 04/24/2014

I started with this ailment about 3 yrs ago when I notice it under my arm pit! I went to the Dr.s and was told this is GA. Prescription cream took it away in time but now after about two yrs of remission I now have all over stomach going into my groin area and some on back of my legs and again my arm pit! It doesn't itch or anything but the appearance of it is very upsetting! Im going to try the apple cider vinegar first to see if it helps first! I'm so glad I found this site and know many others have to deal with this ugly skin rash also! Thank you for the suggestions!!!

Gluten-Free

Posted by Nomore (Richmond, Va) on 11/15/2012
★★★★★

Editor's Choice

Hi all... I just had to pass on my success with getting rid of Granuloma Annulare. I had it for about 3 years. I can't say this will work for everyone, as many medical professionals think this could be related to Diabetes and Lupus as well.

Go Gluten-free. I tried everything prior to my discovery of my gluten-intolerance. I tried things such as blood tests for diabetes, lupus, celiac disease plus allergy prick tests. Nothing helped me until I got a stool test. This test showed a significant intolerance to wheat. Once I removed this completely from my diet (and you definitely have to read all food labels! ), it went away. It also seems I have an intolerance to almonds too. I think with all the almond products out there, my body doesn't quite like them either. The removal of these two things completely cleared my skin.

I hope this can help someone! Good luck!

Apple Cider Vinegar

Posted by Nizac (Mid Hudson Valley, Ny) on 03/30/2011
★★★★★

Editor's Choice

My wife developed severe Granuloma Annulare (GA) about 2 years ago on her arms, hands and chest. After visiting a dermatoligist she was prescribed prednesone which put it in remission. However when the Prednesone was stopped it started reapearing. This happened twice both times it reapeared. I read on a forum a dermatoligist had a patient who told her that ACV put his 35 year case of GA in remission 1 oz in the morning 1 oz at night. I know that's a lot of ACV but it worked. My wifes GA is vastly improved her arms and hands, chest are almost totally clean. It's been about a month since she started taking it but saw results in about 1 week. Good Luck

Apple Cider Vinegar

Posted by Kristie (Chattanooga, Tn) on 06/30/2011
★★★★★

My husband has GA and started the ACV 3 weeks ago after I told him about your post. Most of his rashes have faded to very light pink, and he has hopes of them completely disappearing in a short amount of time. He has had it a couple years, but had no interest in taking steroids to try to get rid of it. This seems to be working for him. Thanks for sharing!

DMSO

Posted by Thea (Western Australia) on 11/30/2024
★★★★★

I've had Granuloma Annulare for 20 years. It appeared on the backs of my upper arms first, then the back of my thigh, then it kind of hung around my elbows, knees and ankles. Each time a small circle would form and get bigger and bigger until it separated completely and finally disappeared. Recently it has spared my arms and goes for my legs. I have tried a lot of things, hydrocortisone, anti-fungal cream, peroxide. Diets. At first my doctor thought it was ringworm and gave me strong anti fungals. I had hope for castor oil but it was a bust. A couple of weeks ago I started neat DMSO daily. I apply with a cotton pad after showering and let it dry. It burns a little. The skin has gone a bit dry and slightly browned but no raised bumps!

Noxema

Posted by Violet (Cerrillos, NM) on 12/30/2020
★★★★☆

My daughter has been struggling with GA since right before her Type 1 Diabetes diagnosis in 2012. Hers is on her lower legs, so it can be hidden with pants or long socks, but she still is self conscious about it. We somehow decided to try Noxema on it a few years ago. The spots, which were large, deep, and very red are now mostly skin colored and look more like scars. Some spots have disappeared and all remaining ones are much smaller and lighter. She puts the Noxema on before bed when she thinks of it (she's a teen so consistency is not at it's finest) and just leaves it on. She also has vitamin E oil she puts on as well.

While this remedy seems to be working at a snail's pace, it is working. At the rate of improvement we are seeing, hopefully in a few years her legs will be all clear.

Change of Diet Caused Condition

Posted by Alyce (Calgary, AB. Canada) on 05/21/2019
★★★★★

Thanks to all for your posts. I found them all very interesting. I was diagnosed Celiac (blood tests) November, 2018. This precipitated a Gluten Free Diet, which I started immediately. My Doctor gave me numerous pages of ingredients to eliminate from my food intake. The usual Wheat Barley, Rye and all their derivatives (which are numerous), where on these lists. As soon as I went on the GF diet, I started to get a rash on my upper thighs and arms. Biopsies showed Granuloma Annulare. Never, had any rashes before this. I am 80 years old.

Initially, I went on Corticosteroid creams. That made the situation worse. I also started on ACV, ( organic, with the Mother). that did not help me, it only gave me an acidic stomach. That went away as soon as stopped the ACV. I am eating probiotics like Kimchi, and Sauerkraut. That has helped the Celiac enormously. Counts have gone down from 253 to 93 so far. I am very strict in what I eat.

However, the GA is doing it's own thing. It is now all over my body. It never did itch, hurt or ache, it doesn't matter what I eat (only GF foods) or not eat, it is JUST THERE!! Celiac is an Autoimmune Disease. GA is also classed as an Autoimmune condition. It responds to what you put into your “MOUTH”. It's not what you put ON TOP of your skin that really helps, It's what you put into your gut system, (food, or so called FOOD).

I have tried numerous creams and ointments on my body, hoping that the rash would somehow subside, This has not happened yet. I try to not eat STUFF that is not real food and right now, that doesn't seem to help either. I feel that all those derivatives in the GF food may be responsible for my Granuloma Annulare.

I am now trying the CBD Oil (Hemp FX, legally available in Alberta and Canada). Have been using the salve and ointment now for only 5 days. I don't see any improvement at all.

MY Dermatologist has suggested numerous procedures, I have refused them. I am completely convinced that this is STILL about “what I put into my mouth”. Until I diagnose what that is, I feel that this GA will consume my entire body surface area. Like I've mentioned, the Gluten Free Food has so many unknowns in their products, one cannot figure out what they are. From Cellulose, (wood dust, chips) to tartizine, (coal tar) to other undecipherable's, along with the pesticides that are sprayed on almost all foods, before they are harvested, to Glyphosate sprayed on grain products. The Liver and the Skin are two organs that tell us what is going on inside our bodies. I am still convinced that the Gut System is also a good indicator.

I have had numerous tests which are all normal. If this CBD Salve doesn't help, I MAY try Sea Buckthorn Oil, and eatable Hemp Seeds, which I have eaten in the past years.

I may also add that on Oct. 25th, 2018, I had a Pneumococcus injection, and to this day, I feel that may also be what brought on the rash!!!

This is my story and I'm sticking to it.
Thanks.
Alyce.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Posted by Kirsty Ann (Us) on 02/11/2017

When I was around 21-22 (8 or 9 years ago), I developed a hard wee bump on my knee. It hurt when I knocked it but otherwise didn't affect me. I went to the doctors maybe 6 months after I first noticed it start to grow in diameter. My Dr had never seen GA before but knew of it due to a family member of his having it. From then on it was assumed it had GA. It grew into a 2cm round ring of raised bumps that further concern me so again I went to another Dr who used liquid nitrogen on it which did nothing other than leave a horrible scar. I gave up trying any more treatments as I was told it wasn't any. Over the years the GA on my knee has flattened out looks less red and sore but I now have GA on my elbows. The hardest part about it being on my elbows is every single time I put my elbows on a table or hard surface the pain is enough to drop The Hulk. My description of the pain would be similar to that of kneeling down hard on a sharp stone. It subsides reasonably quick but wow it's sore straight after. I'm super excited to try the ACV topically and if that doesn't work I'll try it orally. I can't wait to see if this actually works. Feeling hopeful :)

Treat as a Blood Condition

Posted by Dhanishta (Australia) on 03/09/2015

I've had chronic Granuloma Annulare for 44 years and in all that time it only disappeared for 2 years and then came back with a vengence. I have tried all the treatments including injections of cortisone over long periods of time to no effect. I then turned to natural therapies but still have not found anything that's effective, including apple cider vinegar. But now I'm beginning to agree that Dennis from Florida might be onto something regarding it being a blood condition. Now if only we could find a suitable treatment for that then there might be a chance. Another thing I've noticed is most articles say GA is not painful. That's not true. I suffer great pain in my hands when I do things and also when I knock or bump them. Please tell me I'm not the only one who experiences this.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Posted by Sheila (Colorado) on 08/29/2015

Hi Cmm,

Have you looked into diet? You could have a response to inflammatory foods like gluten, fried foods, sugar or dairy. I am an acupuncturist- but I would suggest a nutritionist who specializes in inflammatory and/or immune issues. As some brought up earlier- this could be related to viral diseases, or diabetes- which would indicates immune or sugar imbalances.

DMSO

Posted by Deopatria (Greenville, Sc) on 05/15/2013
★★★★★

I've had great success curing the skin troubles of Granuloma Annulare by using DMSO topically. I apply it on a paper towel and then plastic wrap and hold in a few minutes until the burning sensation - as long as you can stand it, around 15 minutes. It's not really a burn, will subside next day. The bumps are usually gone. I had a huge ring it has mostly gotten rid of now. Will apply it when new bumps come and save myself the issue of watching these things grow large.

Hydrogen Peroxide

Posted by Sallyk (Phoenix) on 01/10/2014

I am a Granuloma Annulare (GA) sufferer too; the first lesion cropped up 15 months ago on the top of one foot and has since spread upwards on my legs and also appears on my elbows.

I would like to emphasize GA is NOT a fungus. It is an auto-immune disorder that manifests itself in a skin rash; basically our white blood cells are working overtime. If ACV helps you, wonderful (it hasn't had a significant effect in my case), but be careful about taking it in liquid form as it is highly damaging to tooth enamel. ACV pills are available which I take twice daily.

I have also been trying a gluten-free diet, acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine. Although I am by no means rash-free, the condition has not spread beyond my limbs.

Best wishes, everyone. This is one miserable skin disease.