Granuloma Annulare: Who Has It?

[Suzy2]

Just curious!
How many of you have or know someone who has Granuloma Annulare?
This is one strange condition that I have.
I have yet to meet anyone in person (or outside of this site) that has it. 
Just curious.....

Suzy

[smiley]

Hi Suzy,

I have had granuloma annulare for about 10+ years on my elbows.  This past summer it spread to the inside of my upper arm.  I have tried numerous steroid creams without much success but I recently saw my dermatologist who recommended drinking raw apple cider vinegar (the kind you buy in the health food store) 1 oz twice a day.  So about two weeks ago I started doing this... I mix
1 oz of the raw apple cider vinegar in 16 oz water and add a little honey (as vinegar is tough to drink) and my granuloma is almost totally gone (in just two weeks)!!!  It is like a miracle cure!  My husband was shocked with the results!  My dermatologist recommended this as he heard that a well known dermatologist has had much success with his granuloma patients when they drink this.  At this point I was willing to try anything and I am sure glad that I did!!!  It doesn't taste that great but it is a small price to pay not to look diseased!  I'm not exactly sure why it works but I have read that apple cider vinegar is a cleansing agent and removes toxins, etc., from your system.  If you can tolerate the vinegar I highly recommend it!

[Suzy2]

Thanks Smiley! I am going out tomorrow and start your remedy. I agree with you....A little bad taste is worth not looking diseased.
Thanks for the help.
 
Suzy

[sewingjhh]

I do and I am looking for something to help me.      [I am using some cream Clobetasol Propionate .05%]  Husband says it is helping but I am not so sure about that.  I am getting so many more places right now.   it is so sad to look at andI know it will soon be more so.  Mine has never gone away and I have had it now for aobut 7 yearsor more.

Dr. jsut look at me and say nothing.  I have decided that I have got to do it myself if there is any thing to do.  Do you have any new ideas?

regards,  jhh

[Suzy2]

Jhh,
I feel your frustration.
Mine has also never gone away. Places have faded a little but not disappeared. I don't remember when I first spotted it because I went a long time before seeing a dermo.
I am on the third day of Smiley's Vinegar Treatment. One oz. of vinegar 2X a day is horrible but I am determined to make it through 10 days to see if I can get the same result as she did.
I'll keep you posted.
Suzy

[smiley]

Hi Suzy,

Let me know how you make out with the vinegar drink.  I know it is terrible to drink but you get used to it and my elbows look soooo much better.  Hang in there.

Smiley

[Suzy2]

Well friends, More than 10 days later I find that the GA has not magically disappeared. I have gotten used to drinking the vinegar water and am thinking that I am going to continue to drink it for a while. I have heard so many good things about having a little bit each day. It doesn' taste quite as horrible as it did at first.
As far as my skin looking better....maybe. I still see the GA in all the same familar places. In some areas it does not look as distinct and that is good.
I am really happy that this worked for Smiley and I would advise others to give it a try. But for me.....
Back to looking for that magical cure. 

[Overthehill]

I too have GA.  I've had it for 18 months. Have been on Clobetasol, Elidel, Accutane, and a pill (can't think of the name) that was supposed to reduce the red blood cells so the white ones  coult take over & fight the "problem" Nothing has helped so far.  Except the PUVA treatments I am now on.  they seem to be starting to help. But I've had 10 treatments, and they are expensive.  So are the pills I have to take Oxsoralen Ultra at $577 for 30!  I have to take 5 of them an hour before my treatments, which are twice a week. 
I would not have gone to these lengths except that my GA is all over my arms, legs, neck, and (yuk) my eyelids.  Some the size of Silver dollars that have joined with others to be even bigger.  The centers are beginning to have the "normal" color and texture, and the outside "rings" seem to be going down also.  If nothing else, I'm getting tan in the process!
I have tried the vinegar also, but with no success.  Will keep you posted on the PUVA.
Hang in there, it's nice to know that there are others out there like me.

[wwitch]

Hi there - I have suffered with GA for over 14 years now and with the exception of the time when I was pregnant it has been pretty much there all the time.

I have tried just about every cure mentioned - Apple Cider Vinegar, Trental, Progesterone cream, PUVA, Steroids - you name it I had tried it.  The main thing that did me any good was the PUVA treatment - yes it did seem to stem the GA for a period (although it was not a permanent cure for me) - but mainly because the treatment was in the derm. ward at the local hospital.  This made me realise how much worse it could be!

Anyway - I do have good news as well.  I started a detox diet (Carole Vordeman version) at the start of the year which cut out meat (am already veggie), dairy, wheat, sugar and all horrid preservatives.  The good news is that in the space of 3 1/2 months my GA is all but gone.  I think (but am not yet certain) that it may be being caused by an intolerance to Cheese or Dairy as I had a cheese sandwich in the middle of Feb and got a horrendous flair up on the back of one of my legs.

Anyway - do not lose hope - there will be a cure out there which suits you.  Detox is not easy to start with but it does get easier (and yes the chocolate cravings go pretty soon!)!

take care all - wwitch

[maggy]

Hi, Thank you for recommending the raw apple cider vinegar.  I bought a bottle the same day and I am praying it works.  I just found out that I have GA and it seems to be spreading very fast.  After reading many of the messages where others say they've had if for many years- it is really hitting me kind of hare, but I am glad I have found this site to talk with other who understand what it is like.  I have been using the clobetasol propionate for one month now and have decided today that I am not going to continue with it. It does not seem to have any effect and the side effects are not worth it.  I pray that the natural raw apple vinegar works! Thank you again.

[Sue-Z]

Hi Smiley!!!  Read your post and decided to try the raw Apple Cider Vinegar.  It really works!!! I have had GA  on and off (mostly on)for about 5 years and nothing has helped.  I have it on my elbows, too.  One elbow is twice as bad as the other.  The same day I started taking it, I saw an improvement on my right elbow (the one that is not as severe).  I could not believe my eyes!!    It is one week later now and it is virtually gone on my less severe elbow.  My other elbow has been more stubborn but is definitely improving too!  Thank you for sharing your experience.  I will continue this remedy for another week and see if I can get the same results you did.   I'll  keep you posted.
APPLE CIDER VINEGAR RULES!!!P.S. Did your positive results remain or did the GA return  after a period of time?

[Hvns]

Hi Suzy and welcome to skincell, keep us posted on the vineger treatement.
Hvns

[Sha]

Sue-Z,

Welcome to Skincell! 

Hope you continue to improve.  Please keep us posted.

Sha 

[GrumpyGills]

Hi Suzy2

My husband had it.  He went on a yeast killing regimen and yeast free (sugars) diet and got rid of it in a few months.

Good luck!
RFD

[Suzy2]

Thanks RFD!
Your husband is the second person I 've heard who had success going without yeast. How did he come to that decision? Did he read a book about detoxing? I'd love to hear what foods he stayed away from besides the obvious...bread.

Suzy