The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
Dietary Changes
Posted by Dan (Redwood valley California) on 06/09/2022
★★★★★
Granuloma Anulare/ chronic skin issues:
In Chinese medicine, rashes and skin redness mean too much heat in body.
Looked up all warming foods in Chinese and Ayurveda medicine, eliminated them, and gradually my GA receded. ( For me, all raw fruit and veggies, little to zero fat/oils), also intermittent fasting 20-4, eating between 10-2)
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.
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 :)
Dietary Changes
Posted by Audrey (Chicago Il.) on 10/10/2016
★★★★★
I have had granuloma Annulare now for 3 years. Started on my stomach and went to my arms and hand. It's a very frustrating skin problem. I always go back to what I was doing when it started. I started taking garden of life herbal products and within 3 days it just appeared. I didn't really think too much about it because the store claimed my skin breakouts was part of detoxing. And I switched products and used other brands. I also did apple cider vinegar. I also take adderall for addhd.
I find if I stay off herbs and acid foods, it goes away. And alcohol makes it even worse. I am going to go on a anti fungal diet and see how that goes. Dr kaufman on you tube has a the diet available. Does anyone else have a problem loosing weight with this?
Dietary Changes
Posted by Lucy (Arab, Al) on 07/22/2015
★★★★★
I have had Granuloma Annulare for 46 years. I was in hospital really sick in 1969. I feel I got from blood transfusions, nothing has ever helped tried all the doctor knows. Been to Mayo.
I was recently in a coma with bacterial meningitis, GA went away completely. I feel it was milk or wheat or something I am eating because I had none of that for 4 weeks while I was in the coma, It has come back with a vengeance, Thanks for all the suggestions I am going to try them.
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.
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.
Pregnenolone
Posted by Nizac (Wappingers Falls, Ny) on 09/07/2012
★★★★★
I had posted earlier about ACV how it helped my wifes GA., only 5mg of Pregnenolone daily skipping weekends almost completely relieved her of pretty severe GA. It has been 5 months and she is still clear. Pregnenolone is a master hormone 5mg is a very low dose. This is available over the counter. Good Luck
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Jason (Stratford, Connecticut) on 05/10/2012
Hey congrats on helping with the GA's! I am currently on night 3 of the topical Apple Cider Vinegar regimen. I was wondering if your daughters GA has come back since her last ACV treatment? Also, how severe was her GA? Did she have a ring? Thank you for your response!!
Vitamin E, Tea Tree Oil
Posted by Dana (Lloydminster, Alberta) on 09/22/2016
I am 60 yrs old and have have had GA for over 20 years. I also have tried a lot of creams and oils and I want to warn people about the dangers of the steroid creams. Please never use them on your children and never use them too long on yourself. I didn't pay attention and now the skin on the backs of my hands is very thin and easily torn and very sensitive. I have had from severe to mild over the years and 1 thing I have noticed is it seemed to get worse when my skin is dry. Since I started using regular coconut oil to moisturize it seems to really help. I don't know anyone else with this condition so I was delighted to find this site! Thanks for all your tips!
Vitamin C
Posted by Tim (Florida) on 11/16/2019
★★★★☆
I had GA since 12yo. It got worse as I aged.
At 63 I found that it was exacerbated by alcohol and caffeine so I stopped and it SLOWLY got better but never fully went away. So now I'm taking about 2,000mg of vitamin C daily and that really helped... I drink wine and coffee without worry. get VC and take it throughout the day ALL DAY. I bought cheap C at walmart and break the 1000mg pills in two. Sometimes I just take the entire 1000 mg.
Change of Diet Caused Condition
Posted by Mary (USA) on 05/23/2019
Alyce,
My husband has GA, been to every doctor but still cannot find a cure. One day I was listening to Doug Kaufman show he said GA is a fungus. My husband likes to drink when he come home from work. I keep telling him that alcohol is a fungus but he will not listen. So he suffers.. Maybe you can find the fungus that is causing GA. alcohol, corn, peanuts rice, some breads. Do not forget external like Heinz original apple cider vinegar, made from corn.
Change of Diet Caused Condition
Posted by Teena (Melbourne, Australia) on 05/24/2019 232 posts
Hi Alyce,
based on your experience, possible /probable heavy metals in the injection have caused your skin problems, therefore some easily accessible coriander/cilantro will help with detoxing these toxins from your body, also chlorella but from health food store. Best to you.
Pentoxifylline
Posted by L09 (Arizona) on 03/07/2018
★★★★★
I have GA going on 3 years it's depressing and not much fun to be In AZ and not wanting to wear shorts in 110+ degree weather. I came across this article
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5447348/.
Successful Treatment of Generalized Granuloma Annulare with Pentoxifylline
I am going to try this if I can find a Dr. who will help me. Let me know if anyone has experienced with this treatment.
Enzymes
Posted by Lucy (USA) on 11/14/2020
Adrienne,
Since you have not gotten a response about the enzymes, I wanted to tell you that our family has had very good results from an enzyme blend called Neprinol by Arthur Andrew Medical. We followed the instructions on the label. You should take them on an empty stomach, or two hours after a meal.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Bonnie (Chicopee, Ma) on 10/28/2017
I've been living with GA for 5 years now from my neck to my toes. It developed immediately after an operation, but of course doctors said it wasn't related. My dermatologist has had me on light treatment, ointments, clobetasol, steroid creams. I've been on prednisone, plaquenil and dapsone for 5 years which are the only meds that keep it under control and from me tearing my itchy skin off. I'm tested constantly and for diabetes (obviously because of the prednisone and plaquenil which can affect my retina) but so far so good. It started to go away so I started to lessen the doses, but it came back with a vengeance. I'm so glad I came across this site, since my next step was to go to Boston Medical, but afraid that will just mean more meds. As soon as I post this, I'm going to try the ACV. I'm sure willing to try anything that is a lot healthier than medication.
Gluten-Free
Posted by Danielle (Pa) on 03/08/2016
I am also comforted finding this page today. I have had GA now for 2 1/2 years. It started on both my knees & elbows, then one large circle on my foot and now little ones on my legs and other foot. It is so upsetting b/c I ( as I read many here ) have tried so many different creams, oils, supplements etc.. and the only thing the dermatologist recommends is a steroid cream, which I don't want to use and can't now b/c I am pregnant. I am determined to heal this before summer so I can wear shorts and not feel self conscious. I am going to try the ACV topically and internally to start and see what happens-- if I notice any change. I am slightly jaded b/c nothing ever works to change this-- they only get redder and spread. It's so disheartening.
Low Dose Naltrexone
Posted by Victoria (Missouri) on 07/09/2015
★☆☆☆☆
Nancy, I'm glad the low-dose Naltrexone worked for you! I had high hopes for it as well.
I've had Granuloma Annulare for over 40 years. It has only gone away for me while I was pregnant (26 years ago)... came back with a vengeance once my daughter was born.
I also have Hashimoto's Thyroiditis... so I have tried the low-dose Naltrexone (LDN), have been on it at both 2mg and 3mg doses for over a year and my GA (both Generalized and Localized varieties) has not improved at all. I am continuing with the LDN however just because it helps me sleep extremely well and I am rarely sick with a cold or virus anymore.
I do have a couple small patches of GA on my face and eyelids, huge rings on my hands (these are the only tender painful areas), some on my feet and stomach, a lot on my elbows and my neck/chest area. I have tried ACV, Clobestol (watch out! This is super potent.. it has ruined the skin on my hands), Plaquenil, all sorts of lotions, creams, vitamins and other home remedies to no avail.
To parents of small children: In almost every case of childhood GA, it will clear on it's own within a couple years. It seems to become chronic more often when it starts in the teenage years (as it did with me) or in adulthood.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Kristal (India) on 04/12/2015
My 5 years old daughter is suffering form Granuloma Annulare from past 2 years. We used Apple Cider Vinegar externally for 5-6 days at night. It disappeared completely but after 3 months it appeared again, but not at the same spot, rather little away from it. Kindly suggest some remedy. Can we give her ACV orally?
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Mama To Many (Tennessee) on 04/12/2015
Dear Kristal,
Seeing that you have had success with ACV topically, I would try that again. And I have given ACV to my young children without any problem.
I would start with 1/4 teaspoon in water or juice a couple of times a day. If that seems okay, 1/2 teaspoon a couple of times a day could be tried.
~Mama to Many~
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Kim (Simpsonville, Sc) on 11/25/2015
I have had GA for a number of years with no relief. I have been to 2 doctors. My husband is driving me crazy telling me there has to be something I can do. I am going to try the ACV and praying this works. It is all over, even my ears. Fortunately I don't have it on my face yet. My mother said my grandfather had red places on the tops of his feet but no one ever knew what it was. I am diabetic so I am sure this has something to do with it. Crossing fingers this works.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Jo (Canada) on 01/12/2017
Hi, I know your post is old but I was wondering if ACV helped your GA at all. I have had it for several years. The further down my body it goes, the darker and more unsightly it is. My legs are a real mess which makes it very uncomfortable when going south to resorts. I am leaving for Cuba in 2 weeks and will have to just grin and bear it. I started drinking 1 Tbls of ACV diluted in a glass of water twice a day. It has only been 5 days but not too optimistic. Thanks
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Mary (Georgia) on 01/18/2017
I have had GA going on 8 years. I was in what I call remission for the past 2 years after being prescribed Accutane. I was unable to complete the full three mths of medication, due to high triglycerides. However the GA did disappear for two years. It has recently returned. I will not take anymore steroids be it cream or oral medication. While taking the steroids I became Diabetic. I went through several Doctors ( Dermatologists ) not to mention the Internists and General MDs. I have taken leprosy meds, steroids, and more topical creams than I can remember, steroid and non-steroid. I would love to try a natural remedy before taking the Accutane again. Suggestions???
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Maryb (Tx) on 01/18/2017
My husband has the localized variety, I guess, on his hands and elbows. It appeared suddenly as bumps, one day last summer, after he came home from work outdoors. Since then, the bumps became spreading red rings. He also has diabetes, for which he started taking iodine internally again almost a month ago, having lapsed for about a year and noticed a significant difference in his health. Interestingly, the iodine seems to be helping reduce the size of the GA patches. He started out at 3 drops and increased to 9-12 drops of 7% Lugol's Solution iodine in divided doses twice/day, mixed with about 6-8 oz. water each time. He's going to increase to 18 drops and see if it takes care of it completely. I'll post an update with results.
Treat as a Blood Condition
Posted by Kimharvest (Western Slope, Co) on 02/02/2016
Dhanishta; Don't feel alone! I have a high threshold for pain but now when I bang the top of my hands where my major rings are, it hurts and for a long time. A real wounded painful ache like damage was done. I now have new rings expanding from the edges of old rings. Now on both hands, up my arm around my elbows and around an ankle. My first spot started exactly where I had a localized X-ray. But I fear my main culprits were wasp and hornet stings I get in the summers working outside. I didn't react badly at the time but am now breaking out at at those attacked areas. It is horrid! I will experiment and will inform with any positive results. I will try hemp oil and lotions, since I live in Co. And will see if that helps. Good luck all!
Treat as a Blood Condition
Posted by Denise Monyhan (Usa) on 04/20/2016
You are not the only one as far as when I bump them there is intense pain. It doesn't last long but I usually develop another under the skin nodule. I have the generalized type.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Crystal (Ohio ) on 05/05/2015
Hi,
I'm just following up on how the apple cider vinegar worked for everyone? I have had GA Since I was 12 and I'm now 30. Generalized and all over my body. I've done all the treatments including Puva light and never had any success. When I was younger I had the steroid shots injected directly into the rash and It made it spread all over my body. I'm close to turning to accutane. I will say it completely went away both times I was pregnant but came back full force about a year after. I would love to hear how the ACV works.
Also, Dave from Fountain Inn, my mother has the Epstein Barr virus and my sister has Lupus so I'm wondering if I have an autoimmune issue causing this. What is the CS medication?
EC: Dave is referring to Colloidal Silver (CS).
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by B (Festus, Missouri) on 05/05/2015
Crystal, my son had also AG and I was able to cure it by ACV in his bath. I would put between 1-2 cups of cheap ACV ( which is sold in gallon at Wal-mart) to his bathtub and within about 5 months all his spots which were on the bottom of his legs disappeared. This also worked for my daughter's eczema. Let me know if you need more info.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Elyn From Milwaukee (Oklahoma City, Ok/usa) on 10/28/2011
Tabby-- You can take it either with food or on an empty stomach. Topically is fine-- won't hurt a thing. BTW, my coworker told me that you can buy a gallon jug of plain old ACV (from a grocery store) and put 1/4 cup or so of ORGANIC ACV (from the health food store) in it and let it sit a few weeks till the sediment (it's known as "the mother") begins to grow in the cheap vinegar and that way you can make your own for way less $$$.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Nicole (Woodland, Ca) on 05/15/2015
I was wondering for those who used the ACV method.. do you drink it as well as apply it to the affected area? If you apply it, how? With cotton swab or mix with other things to make a paste? If I have a sensitive stomach will the Apple Cider Vinegar affect that?
Apple Cider Vinegar, Vitamin E
Posted by ABitCrunchy (Florida) on 05/01/2026
★★★★★
My kid never received a proper diagnosis for Grannuloma Annulare. They assigned me a script to fill which when I read the side effects I was hesitant to try it. (may cause common cold symptoms so I thought why would it touch the immune system).
The spot has been there for over a year. We thought it was ringworm, treated it as such. Finally my husband wanted to get another opinion. They offered up this grannuloma annulare as an option but wouldn't confirm without a biopsy. I have hesitation on letting anyone cut on my family members since I lost my mom to a routine surgery and MRSA. That all being said, I found earthclinic.com and tried a few different remedies and though we aren't "clear of it yet" there wss substantial progress and my husband encouraged me to share it on here.
Here are the links to photos, beginning in January. I would get progress with different remedies but I'll post what seemed to finally do it.
https://ibb.co/nqbLN4rH
https://ibb.co/q3xkKnxT
Tea tree oil with olive oil carrier seemed to help for a week as did coconut oil and aloe Vera. It never seemed to fully resolve.
I read about vitamin e and then tried Cerave baby lotion with vitamin e and had the kid stay away from white flour and drink ACV daily.
This is where I saw progress but it started to spread and the ring got bigger.
I finally went to pure vitamin e from sunflower oil (used for homemade cosmetics), ACV, and again little to no white flour and for a week I would rub it on 3x a day for two minutes at a time.
This is where we are now. One week into it.. Tremendous progress.
We are a fresh milled flour family and don't eat white flour outside the house. The kid has no issues with her gut that I can tell but definitely think something was off. Maybe it was timing since they said kids can grow out of this, maybe it was all that I did. I'm thankful for earthclinic.com for some initial direction and hope this helps someone in the future.
Infrared Light Therapy, MSM, and Probiotics
Posted by Ala (Vancouver BC) on 02/12/2023
★★☆☆☆
I'm 48, have had GA since I was 13. Doctors had no idea what it was until 1999. I was also diagnosed in 2000 with Coeliac disease. I have type 1 diabetes, and on top of my GA on my shins, also have diabetica lipoidica.
The GA has gotten worse in the last 5 years. It is all over my arms, hands, legs and trunk, and only the spots on my hand has disappeared once for 6 months, and reappeared worse.
The medications made me sick, and nothing natural has worked. I've tried most of the remedies listed except pregnenolone. Although for a few years, when the GA wasn't as bad, I was taking MSM, probiotics and vitamin D.
I have found the more time I'm actually in the sun with skin exposed, the better. I only take vit D in winter, and eat foods to activate my vitamin d receptors.
I bought an infrared UV Light 4 weeks ago and have started with 3x per week for 5 minutes, and now am up to 10 mins 3x per week.
I'm currently taking 3000 IU of VIT D with my evening meal, magnesium bisglysinate, and cod liver oil. I am intermittent fasting, eat very healthy, 2 meals a day, and low carb. With no results, ( except for better blood sugars, etc. )
I will be adding MSM and the probiotics L casei, L Reuteri, acidophilus, bifidus and Rhamnosis for Vit D absorption, and autoimmune diseases (such as eczema).
Infrared Light Therapy, MSM, and Probiotics
Posted by mmsg (somewhere, europe) on 02/15/2023
Ala, have you tried external application of coconut oil?
Enzymes
Posted by Adrienne (Minneapolis, MN) on 11/13/2020
Please can you share the Brand and dosage of the enzymes?
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Floria (Arkansas) on 12/09/2018 1 posts
I have had GA for almost 20 years. It started out as a small red bump on my knee and is now on every part of my body (feet (T & B), legs, upper body front and back, chest, arms, shoulders, and head, except my face). It always starts out as a small bump that gets bigger then joins another one until it is a huge one. Right now both of my legs and arms are almost completely red or some shade between pink and red. I have gone to several doctors but the only thing I have been given is ointments so thick it was too painful to rub on. I am so thankful I found this posting! I am going to the store today to get some ACV in hopes it will work for me. The GA is creeping up my neck and spreading so fast I am thinking of canceling Christmas this year and will if the ACV doesn't work. Prayers to all of you!!!
Dietary Changes
Posted by Lynn (TX) on 01/27/2026
It's funny you mentioned Garden of Life products because I noticed a few GA appear and I'm taking their multi vitamin... I just started taking it recently and these GA are recent too. I think I'm going to ditch the vitamins, I also read somewhereGA could be related to PAD, I think one of my medications causes PAD and ankle swelling, because when I take half my swelling is gone in my ankles/legs.
A 80% raw food diet helps my joint swelling So much!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Gay (Florida) on 07/02/2017
Over the last year my GA has gone from, no biggie, to horrid. Now my back, stomach, chest and on occasion my thighs are covered w ugly red bumps. I MUST do something to stop this break out. Right now I am taking turmeric supplement, not helping.
Next step for me it to use DMSO, looking for what else added to it might help this unsightly ailment. My real worry right now I'd that it spreads to my face :(
Gluten-Free
Posted by Frances (Cabarlah, Qld.) on 09/18/2016
A naturopath I consulted in April advised me that GA was an autoimmune disease due to leaky gut and to avoid dairy, sugar, potato and all gluten, e.g. wheat, barley, rye, all grains. I thought it would be ok to have buckwheat, amaranth, but no. Next stage to avoid legumes.
Medicinal Mushrooms
Posted by Karen (Downingtown, Pa) on 08/15/2016
★★★★★
Granuloma Annulare: The medicinal mushrooms work for me. They have been around for thousands of years! They are the most revered in all of Asia.They are known for regulating your immune system. There's nothing like them.
Gluten-Free
Posted by Di (Pittsburgh) on 08/11/2016
★★★★★
Totally agree - caused by gluten intolerance - and elimination of wheat, and Apple cider vinegar is working for me.
Pregnenolone
Posted by Judy Finley (Texas) on 12/07/2015
★★★★☆
I developed GA a few months ago, and in my research, ran across another forum. A man said that his wife had the condition, and began taking low dose (5 mg, 5 days a week) pregnenolone with good results. I ordered some and had only been taking it for a couple of weeks when I saw that my lesions were clearing up. I continue to have them pop up, but they don't last long. Considering taking 10 mg for a while to see if it might help to prevent new eruptions. I'm also going to try apple cider vinegar topically, as some people have had good results with that.
Low Dose Naltrexone
Posted by Nancy (Ma) on 07/13/2017
If you are on this message board still, Nancy, this helped another Nancy a lot. I have just started LDN for GA and still getting new spots, more of them in fact. But this gives me hope that when I get up to a fuller dose and stay with it there may be more help to come. Plus I love your sense of humor and thoughtfulness. Thank you.
Ionic Detox Foot Baths
Posted by Timh (Ky) on 06/18/2015 2041 posts
B: Thanx for the positive post on detoxing. If I might add, doing the ion detox spa from health professionals is a great start, but if you think that many more spas may be necessary you can purchase your own unit from the internet and use in your home. Also, I find detox foot pads very effective for cleansing.
Also, it is a good practice to take herbal antibiotics like Garlic, Oregano, Neem, Mrrrh, Echinacea, Oregon Grape, Olive Leaf, etc as there are a number of residual parasites & pathogens released back into the bloodstream fallowing the spa (most go into the spa water). Clay, or Charcoal may be necessary before retiring.
You may also consider the detox mineral hot baths recommended here on E.C. 1/4 cup Borax & 1/4 cup Epsom Salts for 1 hr once per wk until better.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Missi (Fishers, In) on 06/20/2015
Hi Jenni! I live in Fishers, IN and have seen 2 different dermatologists and my Family MD regarding my Granuloma annulare that has started plaguing me this year. I was wondering who helped you in finding this successful treatment for your GA? Living in the same area, I was hoping that you might be able to give me the name of the person who helped you with finding the right natural treatment? So looking forward to hearing back from you.. This benign disease is crushing my inner spirit!! Especially as it is Summer! Thanks, Missi
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Carol (New Zealand) on 01/09/2017
OMG it was so nice to know I am not alone in this. I have had GA for over a year and it is driving me crazy as my husband doesn't think its a problem but as some one else said its crushing my spirit and making me lack confidence as yes it is summer and I am constantly covering up! I tried steroid cream, ACV, calendula, aloe vera, flax seed and coconut oil and my skin is getting worse! Please help, I will try anything. thank you all for sharing your stories, it makes me able to cope better with this skin problem.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Vicki (Iowa) on 01/15/2017
I am so glad to find this site. My derm tried a malarial and leprosy drug, that he said sometimes helps. He also had me try a potent steroid cream that actually makes it hurt. None of his trys did a thing for me. My legs, arms, hands, abdomen and back are affected. Mine keeps getting worse. First appeared in September. Researching it and my Dr. said individuals with diabetes are more likely to get it. I have Type 1. It also says it is an inflammatory process. I am trying to follow a diet that is "clean" no sugar and minimal processed foods. I'm also going to get Turmeric which is suppose to help the immune system. I am going to try all of the suggestions. I was wondering if essential oils might help. I'm ready to try anything and look forward to all suggestions.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Dee (Brisbane Australia) on 01/21/2018
Hi all, I have suffered from this dreaded skin condition for coming up on 9 yrs now, I have the generalised, going from my shoulders, down to my shins, arms, legs, back, front.
It is embarrassing, and I don't like to show my body to anyone, because of it. I have had all the treatments medically you could think of, from PUVA, to freezing them, to all the oral medications, and cortizone creams, and nothing has worked, though some of them took this dreaded condition away whilst I was on the medication, as soon as I stopped, it came back. I have given up on seeking medical help now, as its a waste of my money, nothing is working, and it seems to be spreading, my whole stomach is just full of red lumps.
I have read some suggestions, and will give ACV a go, but I won't hold my breath, thats for sure, just getting so frustrated that nothing has worked, and I have been battling this for 9 yrs.
I am also going to try Acupuncture, at a point now where I will give anything a go.
I am wondering if anyone can tell me, if they know if maybe surgery may have started this, I had an operation on my ankle 10 yrs ago, involving pins and plates and screws, just wondering if this may be a starting point for this condition in my case.
Cheers Dee.
Treat as a Blood Condition
Posted by Susan (Tn) on 09/27/2015
I developed this stuff on my left hand only in my thirties, and I'm now 62. I really did nothing for it because doc says there's no cure and it was just itchy and red. Then it switched to my right hand only for about six months. Then, walla, it just went away about a year ago. Does this stuff go into remission for whatever reason and could return? I've had no surgeries; nothing different in my life other than a three month period of great stress due to family illness.
Treat as a Blood Condition
Posted by Victoria (Missouri) on 11/24/2015
"Does this stuff go into remission for whatever reason and could return?"
Yes and yes. Granuloma Annulare just goes away on it's own for some people, especially children. I have heard of people with GA that become clear for years and then it will return.
It is probably auto-immune in that it almost always disappears during pregnancy and comes back after the baby is born (like many other auto-immune diseases).
Treat as a Blood Condition
Posted by Frances (Cabarlah) on 06/30/2016
Yes, I too suffer with the terrible itch and pain.
Treat as a Blood Condition
Posted by Tina B. (Oklahoma) on 06/27/2017
My GA is on the tops of both hands. It hurts very bad if I bump them on something. It also tends to itch occasionally but not very often.
Vitamin D Spray, Probiotics and Vitamin C
Posted by Susan (Franklin, Tn) on 05/31/2015
Glad to hear about all the ways you can possibly treat this problem. I'm 61, had it diagnosed more than 30 years ago. It has only been on my hands, one hand at a time. The lesions would form, and yes, they are itchy and painful if you get your hand wedged on the spots or hit them on something. Ouch. One day after turning 61 I noticed they had all gone, I guess in remission, and hope they don't come back. I haven't changed my eating habits or anything, but had no idea they could form all over your body like that. I'll certainly pray for all of us for a cure and wish everyone the best. Glad to have found this forum because something tells me this is not the end of this.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Andrea (Colorado, US) on 01/20/2015
I have the exact same areas on body, under both arms, stomach, knees and hands. I have had two tests and two derms diagnose as GA. I have not tried ACV but have tried 3 different steroid creams, cortisone injections, tea tree oil and they come back or spread. Its been almost 10 years and it gets so discouraging, even my homepath dr had no recommendations, I am going to try ACV, so thankful I found this site today.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Dave (Fountain Inn, Sc) on 02/08/2015
Angie,
Re: Granuloma Annular...
If you Google "Granuloma Annular virus cause" you'll find a number of articles that discuss the possible connection. Including the possible connect with Epstein-Barr Virus.
If you think there might be a connection with a virus in your history you might consider anti virus agents topically. Echinacea for instance is a great one. I use it a lot as well as Colloidal Silver. I'd use topically for a week or so and see if there is any improvement. If so then I'd continue until the problem is eliminated. I'd also consider using CS orally if the topical seems to work as the virus might be systemic. I'd use CS ...two tablespoons twice a day for six months.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Posted by Mike (New Jersey) on 07/09/2024
Granuloma Annulare is not a Fungus whatsoever
Pregnenolone
Posted by Danielle (Miami) on 09/25/2015
I have had GA since 1999. I have tried everything except for oral steroids because they only work while taking them and then the GA comes back. I find when I limit yeast and grain intake and take probiotics it helps, but recently the GA started getting much worse no matter what. I just ordered Pregnenolone and will try that when I get back from my next trip. In the meantime, I am going to start the Lysine because that does help.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by G (Euless, Tx) on 01/24/2013
E - My son just developed GA. He is also 5. I don't think he will drink the ACV, but I will defintely try it topically. When you guys say did he get rings, does that mean it's worse? He has one BIG ring on the top of his foot and 3-4 small rings on each of his legs. I don't know why he all of a sudden got this. It's so upsetting to me.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Laura (Oklahoma) on 11/24/2015
How long do you leave the cotton balls on the granuloma annulare spots?
Vitamin E, Tea Tree Oil
Posted by Dana (Brisbane, Qld.) on 09/24/2016
Dana in Alberta, coconut oil on GA is good but I heard from an essential oil expert that pomegranate oil was superior. I did find the product online and agree it is wonderful.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Therealtabby (Summerberry, Sk, Canada) on 10/28/2011
Regarding ACV for Granuloma Annulare - should it be taken with food? On an empty stomach? Applies topically as well? I have a LONG-standing case of GA (20 years now) and am about will to try anything to get rid of it. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
Tabby
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Carmen (Charlotte Nc) on 09/07/2016
Jeanette, I was diagnosed with GA a little over three years ago. It started out as 2 backwards C shapes on the back of my hands. I went to my family physician and he did a biopsy to confirm that it was GA. He gave me a topical steroid to put on the spots. They continued to spread even when I put the cream on with Saran Wrap and tape, and slept like that. Finally I went to a dermatologist, who injected the spots directly and gave me a antibiotic cocktail. It got rid of it, but of course it came back. After year 1 my glucose was 100. The highest normal reading. The next year, it was 102. My doctor didn't feel it was anything to worry about. Year 3 it was 123. They ran a A1C test and it was 7.6. The highest normal reading is 5.7. I am now a full blown diabetic. I currently am on 2 different medications and 1 for neuropathy. My sugar levels are still all over the place, despite my best efforts with my diet. I feel my doctor should have ran the A1C test when my glucose was 100. Perhaps I could have been diagnosed pre diabetic and been able to get things under control then. My GA is so far out of control now that I wear long sleeves in 95 degree weather, sweating to death, because it is so bad. People at stores would throw my change back at me to make sure they didn't touch me because everybody thinks it is Ringworm. I'm going to try the ACV topically and orally. Watch those glucose readings.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Denise (New Hampshire, US) on 11/07/2014
I have had Granuloma Annulare for about 4 years and the small spots connect and now looks like a pinkish/purple rash all over my abdomen and trying to spread down my legs and back. Have been using Clobetasol ointment which prevents from spreading if used upon the first notice of a spot, but do not want to continue to use it as it thins the skin and not good long term. The comments here are great and I am going to buy the ACV today and try it both topically and internally. I have read that ACV is also good for acid reflux....which I have used for this and it does work.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Mama To Many (Tennessee) on 01/08/2016
My husband has taken the apple cider vinegar pills. I can't quite believe they are as good as taking the vinegar, but certainly worth a try, especially if you don't like the taste of vinegar, as my husband does not.
I have been drinking apple cider vinegar in my water for years with no adverse trouble with my teeth, but I do drink it pretty diluted and with a straw.
Enzymes
Posted by Peggy (California ) on 01/16/2024
Hi. Have you tried neprinol? Did it work?
Enzymes
Posted by Helen (Ashland) on 02/08/2026
Can you supply the brand name and dose . Thank you
Turmeric
Posted by Gay (Florida) on 07/10/2017
★☆☆☆☆
Over the last year my GA has gone from, no biggie, to horrid. Now my back, stomach, chest and on occasion my thighs are covered w ugly red bumps. I MUST do something to stop this break out. Right now I am taking a turmeric supplement, not helping. Next step for me it to use DMSO, looking for what else added to it might help this unsightly ailment. My real worry right now I'd that it spreads to my face :(
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Vicki (Ia) on 01/28/2017
What dose of ACV are you taking? I have GA everywhere except my face and it's spread to my neck. I've only had it a few months.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Cheryl (Michigan) on 05/15/2017
So awesome to read this! Have also had GA for many years & used topical Clobetasol sparingly. Overjoyed to hear ACV will help instead. Totally relate to pattern breakouts. THANK YOU
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Mmsg (Somewhere, Europe) on 07/03/2017
Gay, have u tried staying away from sugar and grains (and dairy) for a week?
Medicinal Mushrooms
Posted by Dwight (New Hanover) on 03/26/2018
Which specific mushrooms? How do you take? Tincture, tea, powdered? Do you have a good source for high quality?
Thanks.
