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Q. I have granuloma annulare and would love to find out if you have any information on ways to cure these raised spots on my skin. I have them on my hands, wrists, elbows and shoulder. I know that they sometimes disappear after a year or two; however, I have some spots that are persistent. Is there any remedy that you have come across? I'd love to beat these little guys!
A. Dermatologists don’t know what causes granuloma annulare. Although unsightly, this skin condition is not at all dangerous. It often disappears by itself eventually.
One reader reported that after applying white vinegar to the skin the bumps went away. A listener to our radio show had success using original Vagisil, an over-the-counter treatment for vaginal infections. It contains resorcinol, an old-fashioned antimicrobial ingredient that also has antifungal activity.
I also have granuloma annulare...over a year now. It seems to be getting worse instead of improving. The raised areas on my upper arms comes and goes with the use of clobetasol propionate cream. Other areas.....behind knees, upper thighs and between legs looks like purple birthmarks(under the skin) with no raised lesions. Does this sound like granuloma annulare also, and if so, will this ugly purple coloring under the skin ever go away?
I was diagnosed with granuloma annulare 8 mo's. ago. My dermatologist said it would eventually go away on its own. It could take 3-4 yrs. It seems to have spread some. It doesn't cause any discomfort, but, is embarrassing. I started using Vagisil and vinegar for a week now, still no sign of improvement. How long does it take for the bumps to diminish using these products? Or does anyone know something else that will help?
i read your column recently about the raised spots on your arms ' legs etc i tried using the vinigar white and apple and low and behold the spots are flat and very smooth' they have not dissappeared as yet but i will keep trying. i am elated to find out about this process in your articles' thank you so much.
A dedicated reader .
cc
I have had granuloma anulare since 2000. When it began to go away at 3 years, another one came on opposite calf. It took 6 years for the first one to leave, and the second one is only half gone at this time. Since then I have them on my feet, calves, upper thighs, and one on my hand. I have used the prescribed creams with no results. I am interested in trying the vinegar treatment. What kind of vinegar, and do you put it in bath water or rub iot on, or what?
Also, has anyone else had the experience of tenderness, and of spreading outside the circular pattern if they are bumped or hit in any way?
Thanks, STR
I personally believe granuloma annular is a fungal infection similar to ringworm. I developed this on my forehead after taking 2 months of antibiotics. Fluconazole seems to be clearing this up. It is half as pronounced as it was.
I had several on my legs and 1 on my ankle. Also one on my middle finger.
My dermatologist 1st tried cortisone creams and occlusive dressings......no improvement whatsoever. Then intra dermal cortisone injections. After 6 treatments they were completely vanished. Just a smallish white indentation remains. This was back in 1986. New one has now appeared on my ring finger 22 years later. I am going straight to the dermal injections...painful though it was.
I have had granuloma annulare for over 2 years. You name it and I have tried it, but I drew the line at injections. I finally decided to ignore it. The bumps on my hands have gotten much smaller and the inside of my thighs is almost completely clear and my elbows have lightened up considerably. I just tell people that I have a skin condition and it and it is not infectious to others.