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.
L-Lysine
Posted by Virginia (Ohio, US) on 03/20/2015
★★★★★
Please try lysine for Granuloma Annulare. I take 1 pill sometimes 2 pills a day. Went to doctor and they said there is no cure for Granuloma Annulare. Tried everything and this condition was spreading everywhere on joint areas and more. Decided to try lysine cause I get fever blisters so I have herpes virus and lysine is good for this, so I thought to try this for granuloma and it has made me feel not like a freak anymore. Hands are almost clear and am able to show them now and knees and ankles clearing up. This is like a God send to me. Also I eat a lot of sugars which I read absorbs the lysine or whatever in the body. This is truly working and believe me, I have tried everything. Don't know what dose you should take but I truly believe it is working and still take it today.
Pregnenolone
Posted by Judy Finley (Texas) on 03/16/2015
Does your wife continue to take the pregnenolone, or did she take it only until the condition cleared up? I just read several medical articles about it. In general, the reports are good, but mentioned several problems that could arise if it is taken for an extended period of time. I'm going to try it anyway. My GA has just begun, and I don't want it going any farther!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Jenni (Carmel, Indiana) on 03/14/2015
★★★★★
I have been able to stop my Granuloma Annulare with a taking the Apple Cider Vinegar liquid 1 Tbs. two times a day 1 Tbs. of Silver Biotics each time. You can purchase the ACV and the Silver Biotics at GNC. I mix them with 1 Tbs. of orange juice so it doesn't taste as bad. I have been taking daily vitamins D3 1000 IU, Coenzyme Q10, Vitamin C, Echinacea, and Fish Oil. I bought all of these at Target. I take the dosages recommended on the bottle. I have also been drinking herbal green tea in the morning and Echinacea tea in the evening. I also put Cortizone 10 on the spots in the morning and at night. I still have some red spots but they seem to be fading away. This site was really helpful in getting me started getting over the Granuloma Annulare and wanted to share my recovery story. Thanks to all of you who shared your information about Granuloma Annulare!
Vitamin D Spray, Probiotics and Vitamin C
Posted by Katie (Denver, Co) on 03/13/2015
Where can I find the Vitamin D spray? Any type of probiotics? My son who is 8.5 has Granuloma Annulare on the backs of both his legs and the top of his foot. Have had GA for over 3 years now. Creams don't work. Tried the shot on the one on his foot and it's only scabbed over. The doctor said the ones on his legs weren't able to have the shots. They are getting bigger and kind of spreading :( any other advice you have???? Thanks!!!
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 Sher (Philadelphia, Pa) on 02/28/2015
I am in my 60's and never had a problem untill few weeks ago when I wound up with a triangle shaped flat pink sorta rash that is flat ..went to big derm ..biop Granuloma A results of test.. Only thing I have done in the past months was to get a shingles vaccine shot.... this is so weird, everyone says no way ..from it...
I am going to try A.C.V. I am not sure if drinking it or dabbing it on is the best. It seems to be larger spots on 2 sides of lower trunk.. Can drinking it hurt you and how long to take it. So upset by this. Would appreciate all the help I can get. Any creams help also. thanks in advance.
Treat as a Blood Condition
Posted by Dennis (Florida, US) on 02/18/2015
★★★★★
Note that I'm not a medical person. I'm a person who had granuloma for five years. It went away by itself but now I understand it.
I truly believe the problem is that granuloma is treated as a skin condition when it is NOT a skin condition. It is a blood condition like left-shift Leukocytosis (increased white blood cells). There have been no direct studies that I know of but I do know that a dermatologist can not cure it. Perhaps a hematologist can treat the Leukocytosis and that will cure the symptom, I.e., the white blood cells clumping up to the surface of the skin appearing as a rash.
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.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Angie (Wilton, California) on 02/08/2015
Hello, everyone. I, too, am afflicted with Granuloma Annulare and have been for about 7 years. I tried ultraviolet light therapy 3 times per week but the only benefit I saw was that it made my skin turn the same color so that the red from the GA wasn't as noticeable. But, it started turning my skin splotchy and leathery. Then I tried different creams but they started thinning my skin. The thing that helped me the most was the Kenalog shot but it only lasted 4 months. Doctors typically don't like to give that shot often enough to do the trick. I tried a topical over-the-counter 1% steroid cream with some success but I am afraid that it will thin my skin, too. So, now I will try the apple cider vinegar. I will let you all know how it works. I am so happy I found this forum!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Vikki (Australia) on 01/31/2015
I have been putting up with this unsightly skin condition for years - on my legs, under arms, on my buttocks and on my hand. Creams did nothing. Laser did nothing. Definitely will give the ACV a go and will keep you posted. What do I have to lose?
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.
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 Violet (Cerrillos, NM) on 11/26/2014
In reply to Jeanette's question:
Yes, my daughter developed granuloma annulare about a month and a half before being diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. It took us a few months and many medical professionals to diagnose it. (The school nurse thought she had ringworm and didn't want to allow her to attend school.) It seems that when her blood sugars are lower it improves. It was almost gone at one point, but we traveled to Germany and had a hard time keeping her blood sugar at a good level and it returned.
Gluten-Free
Posted by Denise (New Hampshire, US) on 11/07/2014
Hi Gluten Free,
Thanks for the info on going gluten free. I seem to have a wheat issue in that it causes bloating when I eat it...but nothing more. However, I have now had the Granuloma Annulare rash for about 3 or 4 years with no results except temporary with steriod creams/ointments. I just tried light therapy but nothing happening with that.
I will take your advice going gluten free and also start taking the apple cider vinegar that others have suggested...and maybe even some green tea. Did you do anything besides go gluten free? Just curious...
D from NH
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 Hipgeorgette (Minneapolis, MN) on 08/31/2014
★★★★★
I am a medical researcher and I also suffer from GA. I have scoured the medical literature looking for a possible cause and treatment that is effective. What I have discovered is that the cause of GA UNKNOWN. Some believe it is an autoimmune disorder because GA has appeared in all stages of HIV. The research connecting GA with diabetes is weak. One retrospective study identified 12% of subjects positive for GA had diabetes mellitus. Most other case-control studies have failed to reveal any statistically significant correlation between GA and diabetes. Others hypothesize that GA is triggered by trauma, surgery, and insect bites. GA is not related to ringworm, or Lymes disease. The most effective and lesion fading home remedy is applying organic apple cider vinegar to the effected area of the skin and ingesting 1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in warm water twice daily. The best to all of you in your quest to get rid of GA!
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!!!
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.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Doni (Snowbird Winters Az Summer Wi) on 10/28/2013
Thank you Thank YOU....I was sent this as a fwd from a dear friend...and I will be heading to the store today for my ACV...
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Vicki (Corinth, Ms, Us) on 06/24/2013
★★★★★
I have had Granuloma Annulare for about 8 years. I went to doctors and went through the steroid treatments like many others. Treatments worked but GA comes back immediately. My GA is on my entire body except, luckily, not my face. I was desperate and returned to internet to see if anyone had found anything to cure GA. I came across this site and read where ACV had been the answer for some. I immediately began drinking 1 oz. in the morning and 1 oz. at night. It's been six weeks and I definately see a difference. I am very encouraged for the first time in years. I just know that this is going to be the answer. I look forward to reporting a 100% cure.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Posted by Drie (Whitman, Ma) on 05/29/2013
In response to Ed: GRANULOMA ANNULARE IS NOT A FUNGUS!!! Granuloma Annulare is an inflamatory/autoimmune condition.
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.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Phyllis (Nyc, New York) on 03/17/2013
Nickle allergy.. Synthroid meds.. High cholesterol and Granuloma Annulare.. Anyone can relate?
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Jeannette (Milwaukee, Wi) on 02/11/2013
Has anyone actually developed or heard of someone developing diabetes following diagnosis of GA? I've read that it can be a precusor to diabetes. Thank you.
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.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Posted by Ed (Nanaimo, Bc Canada) on 12/01/2012
★★★★★
In answer to the above people who have Granuloma Annulare, I also have the same for the last two years. I found a way to stop every spot in its tract. First I seen on the internet that the fungus travels between the two layers of skin. I bought a large container of hydrogren Peroxide 35 % food value and keep a small bottle about three quarters full in the bathroom along with a box of swabs. Upon going to bed I start with a swab and coat the spots two or three times each. It will burn a bit but only for a few minutes. I do this for three nights then watch them in a few days start to fad away. When coating the spots they will all turn white. I believe that the treatment is going through the first skin and and distroying the fungus. I 'm happy with the results I'm seeing, and now I'm looking for a way to remove the spots. Some where on this web page I seen that Walmart carry a product to remove the spots. I have a lot to be removed.
Gluten-Free
Posted by Nomore (Richmond, Va) on 11/15/2012
★★★★★
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 E (Arlington, Tx) on 09/11/2012
Jason, the Granuloma Annulares still pop up but we can treat them naturally instead of with steroids, which is a positive. She has had a few GAs develop into the ring shape but generally I catch them now before they progress to that point. We're currently on day 2 of having her drink ACV twice a day so I'm hoping for great things on that end. I've been drinking ACV for months and it really helps with my arthritic hands.
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 Stephanie C. (Cameron, Sc) on 04/17/2012
I will definitely try this. Even though its not contagious I still don't like the way it looks and sometimes it spreads to my son's (6 yrs old) fingers as well.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by E (Arlington, Tx) on 04/09/2012
★★★★★
Our 5 year old daughter has GA and topically applying raw apple cider vinegar is the only thing that has worked to eliminate GAs. We did steroid shots the first two times GA popped up but that wasn't a long term solution! So thankful for ACV. I soak a cotton ball in ACV and use medical tape to fix it over the GA spot. We do that procedure for 3-4 nights and the GA is healed... Actually it looks like poison is drawn out and a scab forms. (A week later the scab is gone. ) Still, waaay better than steroids. We've checked into all known causes for GA over the past year (today we got back a clean bill of health from a CBC w/diff) and haven't uncovered anything.
Vitamin E, Tea Tree Oil
Posted by Dee (Niagara Falls, Ontario) on 02/09/2012
★★★★★
Just wanted to let you know, for granuloma annulare I have tried vit e mix with tea tree oil, apply 2-3 times a day works great. My son had it and doctor said because he is so young there is nothing he can give him. So this is what I did, as I said it worked great. Hope it helps someone!!!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Tabby (Summerberry, Sk) on 12/13/2011
MANY thanks!! I've been doing quite a bit of reading on alkalinity and so forth, and will try the ACV/honey/baking soda. Will post back when I have something to report! Thanks again.
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 Elyn From Milwaukee (Oklahoma City, Ok/usa) on 10/28/2011
★★★★★
I have had granuloma annulare for 9 years now. It began as a small patch on my left hand-- an ugly red rash, neither itchy nor painful. It has spread to the backs of both hands, up to my middle knuckles. The doc diagnosed it and said that it often is a precursor for diabetes, and that we'd keep an eye on it. Well, my favorite coworker in OKC introduced me to EarthClinic and I read about ACV. I drank it for a few months this past winter -- 1 Tbsp ORGANIC ACV with 1Tbsp honey, in warm water, morning and night. In spring, my coworker and my boss noticed that my GA had mostly disappeared! I hadn't even noticed! Oh, it's still there, but VERY much faded. I had to stop drinking the ACV because my teeth were beginning to hurt-- now I'm back on it but using a TINY pinch of baking soda in with the vinegar, let it fizz, then add warm water and the honey. I DEFINITELY recommend it. I don't know how long you will have to take it-- don't know how widespread or severe your GA is. Best of luck to you!!!
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 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!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Nizac (Mid Hudson Valley, Ny) on 03/30/2011
★★★★★
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
