Discussions By Condition: Skin conditions
Granuloma annulare
Posted In: Skin conditions
246 Replies
- Posted By: Anonymous
- March 17, 2006
- 07:14 AM
Mine started as just a red place on my leg and it kind of had a dimple and then it got more and more inflamed and dome shaped and the center started getting less red and the outer edge is still red. It made my ankle swell at first and it hurt pretty bad but now Im using a cortisteroid and it feels a little better. It looks horrible but is feeling a little better.
I have pictures of the progression if anyone wants to see.
Please respond!!
Lisa
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Hi LisaI was just diagnosed (early). I'd love to see the pics to know what the future will bring. I am on steriods now but I'm told they only make it a bit easier.SamAnonymous 42789 Replies Flag this Response
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My name is Theresa, I'm 39 years old, I've had this condition since I was 32. It has gotten progressivly worse, leigions all over my trunk , inner elbows,hips, neck, shoulders. I'd heard it would go away after a few years but it is only getting worse. I've been to 3 doctors, one said there was no treatment, one wanted me to take Tetracycline for 2 months and one thought it was caused by excessive antibiotic use. I have never met anyone else with it. I am currently doing nothing to treat it since I have gotten so many mixed opinions.Anonymous 42789 Replies Flag this Response
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My name is Cherie I started off with two spots one on each shin now I have 3 on one leg and one on the other. I have had them about 5 years now. I was told by another woman that I met at a yard-sale I was having that had the same thing on her legs that she has been on steriods and creams etc. and nothing had worked to get rid of it. She said the best thing she found to lighten them was salt water and the sun. I am 43 and will not wear shorts in public because they look so bad. I wish I could make them go away.Anonymous 42789 Replies Flag this Response
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Has anyone recieved any insight as to where this is coming from? I am in good health other than this and I have wracked my brain trying to figure out why this is happening. The info I've read says it's most common in children, then why are we getting it? I have an extremly good diet, I excersise, get outdoors alot and am not a high stress person. Now that it's warm, I'm dreading wearing shorts and tank tops, I don't want to deal with the looks and questions. I have it pretty bad on the insides of my elbows and I see people look at it, I think they think I'm a drug addict. The only thing I can trace back to is I had a kidney infection years ago. I was misdiagnosed and by the time it was caught it was very bad and I had to take a lot of antibiotics for a long time. The first lesion appeared about a month later.TheresaAnonymous 42789 Replies Flag this Response
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To Everyone:I have had Generalized GA for several years.Like the other posters here, I have a very good diet (the picture of health except for the lesions), work out on a regular basis; cardio and lifting weights, ride dressage, etc. and still I am plague with GA lesions.At first there were just a few lesions and I had them treated with steroid injections; cortisone injected direclty into the lesion. They went away and stayed gone for about one year, only to pop up in other places. The onset was slow, but now, 6 years later they are appearing too frequently, and don't go away as certain studies indicate. Just the other day I noticed 6 new lesions starting on my left thorasic side in line with the left armpit. I fought them for about 5 years (stopped with the steroidial injections about 4 years ago), with all kinds of creams. Recently, I have lesions appearing more on the legs (back of knees, buttocks, back of calves, thighs and armpits.I have one lesion on the back side of my right armpit and it is now larger than a 50 cent piece. I have watch it grow from a tiny dot. The steroid creams seem to prevent them from getting larger. I stopped using them only because of the inconvenience of dotting myself up after a shower, then the cream has to dry before dressing etc.As most people have indicated I don't wear shorts or bathing suits in public, and now since the lesions have started appearing on my lower legs and ankles my capris and crop pants will be sold at the next garage sale. As for dresses and skirts, I stopped wearing them a long time ago.My dermatologist has informed me that there is nothing more we can do or try; they will go away or get worse; for me they are getting worse.The research I have done indicates that GA could be a symtom of a larger issue. Since I have splitting fingernails, diminishing thickness of hair over the last 3 to 4 years and this skin aliment, I'm thinking that my thyroid is causing this symtom. Although recent blood tests indicate that my thyroid is within normal ranges, as is my CBC count, don't have diabetes, etc.I suppose that if these lesions were life threatening there would be more research on them like cancer and diabetes.Good Luck to everyone; if I find out any information I will certainly share.Anonymous 42789 Replies Flag this Response
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I'm a 63-year-old female and was diagnosed (after biopsy) with GA just this past year; however, I believe the first spots, which were not that noticable and which appeared on my lower legs, have actually been around for a couple of years. About 8 months ago, the GA spread to the inside and back of my thighs. The patches were dark red and quite unsightly. It seems that about the same time the GA began spreading, I noticed thinning of my hair and arthritis type of pain in my feet and (sometimes) in my hands. I did receive a cortisone injection a few months ago, and the GA has since "morphed" into a lighter-colored, less "active" type of rash, but it's still there! I have had all the blood tests, which were all normal. I am basically healthy except for this nasty development, which really hampers summer activities. I would like to know if anyone else has experienced thinning hair and arthritis type of pain along with the rash? I will be watching for anyone's success with treatment options.Anonymous 42789 Replies Flag this Response
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I've just been diagnosed with Granuloma Annulare. It started about 3 years ago on my shin with what I thought was an insect bite. I now have 5patches of it on my legs and 2 on my ankles all of which are growing. I have been discharged by my dermatologist who just said it is untreatable and will eventually disappear some time in my lifetime, unless I get knocked down by a bus in the next few days or weeks (her words not mine), but may in the meantime appear on any part of my body, though probably not on my face. Not a great deal of help really. Thought I might have had a few tests for diabetis or a few blood tests but not so. Felt like I'd been dismissed by the headmistress for wasting time.I dread summer and although I still wear shorts at home and on holiday (where I convince myself I don't know anybody so what does it matter if my legs look unsightly) I feel very self-consious about it. Other than this I am very healthy for my age, eat well and exercise a lot. Swimming is my sport (I'm a competative masters swimmer) but I am getting more and more self-consious about the marks on my legs and wonder how long I will keep making excuses and keep on competing.Yes I accept that this is not a life threatening problem. but hey! It's life disruptive and worth some money put into research.JoanneAnonymous 42789 Replies Flag this Response
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Since 1999, I began developing these on the back of my hand, elows, and knee. Just this year, I started developing one on my finger. They're totally disgusting so I know how you feel!I also have chronic sinusitis, for which I recently had surgery... and here's where it gets interesting. Before my sinus surgery my doctor gave me 6 medrol dosepacks over the course of 8 months. Medrol is a strong corticosteroid, and it is very safe when taken as directed (6 days, quickly tapers you off to prevent side effects). My grannulomas completely disappeared after 7 years of persistance - even through dermatologist prescibed Cordran tape and Clobetasol (very potent topical steroids.) I didn't even pay that much attention but one day I was like - whoa no more granulomas!! I think it took about 4 months really.ALSO - this is key - you will always want to put 100% zinc sunblock on them if you are in the sun. If you go tanning, I really think you are at greater risk... so cover them up if tanning with 100% zinc (uva/uvb proof). Lastly, have your blood sugar thyroid checked because there is a correlation in some people to thyroid disease and diabetes. I hope you can get a doc who will prescribe medrol for you. Docs get all kinds of insane scary messages about steroids but they are miracle drugs and very safe if used properly. With patience and the right meds, u can get through it. Topical steroids are not really effective IMHO but cordran tape is much easier to deal with than clobetasol gel.Anonymous 42789 Replies Flag this Response
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oh and here's my theory for where they come from...Any disease that can be treated with a steroid, in my opinion, is due to something wrong with your own adrenals. I'd be really curious to survey you all and figure out if you have any hypoadrenal symptoms or hypothyroid symptoms. Also, I am curious how much (and what kind) of sun exposure you had.I used to go tanning regularly - and these developed shortly after. my theory was that my skin was trying to destroy the unhealthy precancerous skin cells that I created by tanning...and all the granulocytes got glued together in the process. It turns out i have severe hypothyoidism (TSH of 11... but by the way, if your TSH is over 3, that is hypothyroid - not over 5...the american academy of endocrinologists changed this in 2003 but most labs still havent cought up) but i couldnt treat it because my adrenal glands were also not functioning right. when i went on thyroid hormone, my granulomas actually got red and scaly...but since being on all of the medrol, most are very flat and/or gone. On one elbow, I had kenalog injected and then 2 months later, it was 80% gone. the other elbow lesion was too close to the joint so he couldnt inject and i just used the clobetasol (didnt do much)anyway... i wish u all luck with this... let me know if you have anything in common with me. we're more likely to find the answers than the docs! they're just not looking at the problem.Anonymous 42789 Replies Flag this Response
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i would like to reply to jacky2 and say that i have had this granuloma for about 15 yrs. i have noticed that as soon as i have onsite injections of kenalog one to two days later new ones start. i would like to know what the side effects are of medrol, and if you find that this is really working for you. i really am sick of this and my doctor knows next to nothing about it. i would really like to keep in touch with my fellow sufferers out there and maybe we can find something that at least slows this down. my hands look like a war zone. help!Anonymous 42789 Replies Flag this Response
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Hi, I'm 25 and Ive had GA for about 8 months now but was just diagnosed 2 weeks ago with a biopsy. It started off looking like a few bruises but now both legs are covered in it and it seems to be spreading. The dr's say it can take a few years to clear up and wont give me any treatment for it, they say they're just going to keep an eye on it. It's weird tho as i've been looking it up on the internet and mines doesnt seem to look like any of the pictures ive seen (it looks purpley/red - a bit like a giant birthmark) and although the say it generally has no symptoms, ive been getting some! my feet start to swell when im standing for any length of time, ive got bad joint pain on the leg most affected and im constantly exhausted. Just wondering if anyone feels anything similar? I get the feeling the dr thinks i'm making my symptoms up!Anonymous 42789 Replies Flag this Response
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Hi AllI was diag. with GA 6 years ago. As soon as one legion clears up another one seems to appear. All have been on my arms so far. GA showed up on both my elbows shortly after my daughter came down with ringworm. I wonder if anyone else has a similar coincidence. My legions start out as very small dots that grow larger and look like a ringworm legion. They eventually grow large and the “ring” opens up on one side and fades out. (Years later and not completely of course) So after waiting this long, I’ve asked my Doctor to please try something…. and he has just prescribed a regiment of Methylprednisolone pills that I’m going to take for the next 6 days in a decreasing dosage each day. I hope it works. I’ll be sure to let folks know if it does. Please speak up if you’ve tried this regiment.Anonymous 42789 Replies Flag this Response
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In reply to Glitter81, the course of my ga is very similar to yours. Mine started with what looked similar to bruises on my lower legs and within months started with birthmark-looking, deep red patches that have spread to my thighs. I've been diagnosed with biopsy last spring and was given a kenalog shot. It may have lightened the rash somewhat, and it did help with the joint pain. It's now been several months since the shot, and I notice that my joint pain (in my feet) is returning. When the rash seems to intensify at times (gets redder and feels "hotter"), that's when the joint pain is most severe. When the rash lightens up or is less active, I feel more like normal.Bottom line, I definitely feel there's a corrolation between the ga and the joint pain - I can feel it! I have had all the blood tests for diabetes, herpes, etc. - all negative. I'm awaiting a colonoscopy, as my dermatologist said that on rare (hopefully very rare!) occasions there's a corrolation between the appearance of ga and colon cancer or malignancy somewhere in your body. That's an awful thought!it's encouraging and so helpful to hear how all of you are coping.Anonymous 42789 Replies Flag this Response
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i heard applecidar vineager and honey may help. havent tried it yet. i got steroid shots on the sites and the next day more growths start. have had this for about 13yrs. its getting worse.Anonymous 42789 Replies Flag this Response
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Hi! I have had GA for 30 years now. It started off as small purple spots on my ankes (my pediatrician said it was scars). It has spread up my lower legs, is on my hands and forearms, and has started to creep up my torso. Sometimes it fades from its original place (slightly scarring the area) and can pop back up later. I have asked for treatment several times through out my life--hoping for advances, but so far nothing other than coritisone shots has worked. My doctor just prescribed Ketoconazole but I am scared to take it due to the warnings (liver damage). Has anyone else tried this? Mine has never gone away in 30 years, although it seems like doses of steroids seem to help.Anonymous 42789 Replies Flag this Response
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I was diagnosed with GA a few months ago and the derm suggested I have blood tests for hypothyroidism and diabetes, as well as antibody tests for autoimmune disease. The blood tests confirmed that I have hypothyroidism and I am now taking lexoxyl (100 MCG), which is a synthetic thyroid hormone, to boost my thyroid function. The rash has subsequently begun to fade. I recommend you each get tested for autoimmune or thyroid problems as GA has been shown to be linked to them.Good luck!Anonymous 42789 Replies Flag this Response
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Hi everyone, I am new to this site. I was (at last) diagnosed with granuloma annulare about 2 years ago by a dermatologist after living with it for about 4 or 5 years. The first gp did not know what it was but suggested I cover it with selsen blue and put plastic over it. Wow that really wasn't good and did quite a number on my skin. So I've just sort of lived with this unsightly condition. The last dermatologist I saw gave me a cream called Halobetasol and I apply it to the areas I need to and it seems to slow things down and eventually (after several months it seems) they tend to dissapear only to have new ones reaccur elsewhere. Mine originally started on my back. They are now gone from my back but seem to be mostly showing up on the top of my feet and sometimes the back of my leg. I have a new one near my elbow. I have been tested for diabetes and an abnormal thyroid and my doctor said I was o.k.(lthough I did have gestational diabetes). I thought it was interesting reading one of the posts that mentioned her Dr. said their might be a corrolation beween colon cancer and this condition. I was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2001 and had a successful surgery to remove the polyp (it had not spread to my lymph nodes!). I agree with one post I read that this may not be a life threatening disease, but It sure is bothersome and it's too bad the doctors can't help us more, I will be checking this sight off and on to see what other information I can get. It's nice to find a sight where other people understand what this can do to you overall well-being! Good luck to you all. Oh I got a cortisone shot once on the back of my leg and it was extremely painful, is that normal? I'll take the creams over that.nbendmom 2 Replies Flag this Response
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AllWell.... theres a lot of great postings here and yall have to do what you can but I wanted to share this....After living with this plague for the better part of 6 years I have just completed treatment with a great doctor who has successfully cleared up my legions. SWEET!!! My treatment was as follows; 1. Large injection of steroid. In my butt. Ouch2. 7 day regiment of prednisone tabs. 3. Local topical steroid cream.30 days later my legions are hardly noticeable and seem to be clearing up more and more each week. If any one is interested Id be glad to share the details of treatment. I hope this works long term...Anonymous 42789 Replies Flag this Response
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thank you people for sharing your stories, I am going crazy and so are my spots, I wish you all the best, I have no idea what to do, supplements aren't helping, I'm trying to find out what foods irritate my spots..such a mess we got into huh..good luck everyonespottedgypsyAnonymous 42789 Replies Flag this Response
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Just found this forum today and have to agree with the ideas about GA being most likely being related to the adrenal or thyroid glands. Seems I am going to my regular doctor with the same list of symptoms every year - tiredness, brain fog, weight gain, headaches, anxiety, ect. ect... but all the tests come out normal. I also had a ANA test which came out positive and the doctor dismissed it as a false positive without doing any additional tests. (GA won't cause a positive ANA - I asked at another board and only a few people with GA had positive results.)I've had the GA for over 30 years. It started around the time of my first period, went away completely while I was pregnant with my daughter, came back with a vengance once she was born. It's worse today than it has ever been with a small patch near my eye, streaks running up by neck and a large circle on my left hand along with patches on my stomach, elbows and feet. I've never had it to the degree that some people do. The only thing that has helped me is Clobestol cream and Plaquenil (an anti-malerial drug) which I no longer take. I never tried the PUVA treatments as I am over an hour away from any treatment centers.I still have a message board at Delphiforums (listed under Granuloma Annulare), but it no longer gets any posts. Feel free to stop by and read the old postings though. There is also an active board at Yahoo which you have to sign up for, lots of ideas getting tossed around there.LydiaAnonymous 42789 Replies Flag this Response
