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.
Turmeric
Posted by Linda (CA) on 05/19/2023 2 posts
★★★★☆
I give credit for this review to Linda I. from Washington on her Turmeric remedy:
This is what she wrote: In response to the comments on granloma annulare, I have my own experience to add. I too, had the rash on my hands, but also on my arms and back. I would get worse in the cooler months of the year, and much better in the summer. I'm guessing from the sunlight. I saw a dermatologist and got a topical cream and got cortisone injections in the worst spots, neither of which did anything to reduce all the large bumps. It wasn't until I started taking turmeric supplements that I noticed a difference. All of the spots disappeared fairly quickly and have not returned. I have been taking turmeric (with pepper extract) for over two years now, and haven't had any flare ups at all. I hope this helps someone.
I myself have been looking for a cure also. Mine keeps coming back on my legs especially my knees. Sometimes it is gone for several months. I have used apple cider vinegar, coconut oil, golden seal, oreganol, tea tree oil, clear nails topical because of the great ingredients and head and shoulders. They all seem to help. But I do believe we are all dealing with a type of blood desease so though we attempt to address this topically and it seems to go away for a time, it eventually comes back. At least it has for me. It makes me think it is in our foods. Who knows. The doctors sure don't know yet.
Infrared Light Therapy, MSM, and Probiotics
Posted by mmsg (somewhere, europe) on 02/15/2023
Ala, have you tried external application of coconut oil?
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).
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)
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Rebecca (WA) on 01/16/2022
This happened to me too! The GA disappeared completely when I was pregnant with both babies and returned a bit darker in the same areas.
Medicinal Mushrooms
Posted by Eleanor (Jerusalem) on 09/27/2021
★★★★★
Like Karen from PA below, I have been taking an herbal 5 mushroom compound for about 2 months and the GA has really faded and even cleared up in most places.
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.
Dietary Changes
Posted by Kristie (Chattanooga, TN) on 11/06/2019
★★★★★
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.
Change of Diet Caused Condition
Posted by Teena (Melbourne, Australia) on 05/24/2019 233 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.
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 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 Jenny (Austria) on 01/03/2021
Hey, I just wanted to ask if the bumps were big?
I'm also trying applying apple cider vinegar but it seems to have no effect on the larger bumps :/ Its my 4th day doing it.
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.
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.
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!!!
Black Seed Oil
Posted by Christine (Santa Barbara ) on 12/06/2018
★★★★★
Black Seed Oil applied topically every day has really improved my GA. I also take a tbsp of a cv when the mother in water every night before bed.
Hair Dryer and Heat
Posted by Mary (Usa) on 12/06/2018
★★★★☆
My husband has had GA for years. He tried everything but the best by far was using a hair dryer on his arms where the GA is located. It has taken a few months but a few of the rings have disappeared. This is not a quick cure all.
This information is from Doug Kaufman on "Know the Cause" on youtube.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Robin (Kansas City, Mo.) on 12/06/2018
Yes, I too am allergic to nickel.
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!
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 Mmsg (Somewhere, Europe) on 07/03/2017
Gay, have u tried staying away from sugar and grains (and dairy) for a week?
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 :(
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.
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 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 :)
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 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.
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 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 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 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 Beth (Colorado) on 01/03/2017
Hi, Jenni. I have just started the ACV 2x per day: 1/2 oz in 12 oz of luke warm water. It's not that bad after a while! I am only into it a week, but am optimistic. This is such a mysterious, troubling condition. I too, am so encouraged! Will be praying for success for all of us!!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Beth (Colorado) on 01/03/2017
Hi, Kimmi,
Can you tell me about the bleach baths? Like a cup in a bath tub?? Does it matter what kind? Household bleach??
Thanks!
