Tired of hearing that Granuloma Annulare goes away on its own
Posted , 16 users are following.
I'm fed up with reading that Granuloma Annulare goes away on its own and that it is not a serious condition. Even the well respected Mayo Clinic makes this stupid claim. Most people have this condition for years. I have had it for over 20 years. I am also tired of hearing that it is not a serious illness and therefore there is no research being done to find out what causes this and how to cure it. it is serious! it's effects are psycologically debilitating - or doesn't that matter to anyone? I am also tired of hearing of all those non-sensical remedies that people post onto forums that claim to solve the problem and give false hope. There is no logical explanation for these remedies. I never read of more than one person using any one of them with success. What will it take to get some real solid research on this disease? it really is more destructive than the medical profession recognizes.
3 likes, 18 replies
brendaa76 nora94022
Posted
I agree with you hundred percent I have it mostly on my legs and arms for a year and a half and when I had to wear tennis skirt this summer I was not pleased about it but I did it anyways. I'm almost 60 years old but if I'd had this in my 20s 30s or even 40s I would've been far more disturbed by it I would like to see more research as well!!
kendra68 nora94022
Posted
Completely agree! The psychological effect is 100% debilitating. I thought I looked really well for my age til this has hit in my 40's and now feel like a total freak. Sick of people saying things change as we ladies age....normal aging I can accept but anyone lucky enough not to have this awful skin condition doesn't know how lucky they are. I really don't feel like I could go on for another 2 or 3 decades with this!
bess58668 nora94022
Posted
rachel92364 nora94022
Posted
I do find some support by being on this forum, just knowing that there are more people struggling with this condition, helps a bit...
JMO2016 nora94022
Posted
Hi I have had generalised GA all of my life (25 years) diagnosed officially when i was about 5ish? When i was pregnant it completely disappeared and then came back with a vengance. I agree about the psychological effects that it has as although i was bullied about it when i was younger i didnt really feel as self conscious as i do now. It has even got to the point where it is effecting my confidence in my relationship of 7years. I have been to the doctors on countless occasions and they are reluctant to even refer me back to a dermatologist (one referral for diagnosis and another prior to pregnancy which i discontinued due to it disappearing!) I have had other symptoms of a food intolerance/allergy, as does my child, but can't even get the GP to agree to any tests for either of us for this, I will be going back on monday and pushing for something to be done as i cannot go on like this, we have just had a summer (well barely...UK) but i have covered myself since i was a teenager as i am so self conscious, however as I have had it all of my life and it is generalised and i get some of the more chronic symptoms I feel like things wont get any better even with some sort of action being taken by the GP? I understand there are more life threatening conditions that need investigation and costs are high but the population of GA sufferers around the world is quite high so i agree more research should be done.
kendra68 JMO2016
Posted
Hi
I really sympathise with you!
The last couple of year with this have completely knocked my confidence, affected my marriage and totally altered my life.....sadly not for the better.
I have gone from someone who loved clothes, fashion and socialising to feelmg like a total leper n only wanting to see people I am close with. I used to look forward to events and planning what I would wear but now I just feel anxious all the time n so sad about how I used to be.
I used to be able to go on the sunbed and sunbathe abroad but this yr even a sunny day just walking around in the Lakes (UK) covered up with sunscreen on prompted breakout on my hands. This Summer was the first for my hands too which has taken my anxiety to a new level. The sunbed didn't affect as badly as this yr too.....its just getting worse and I really don't want to endure another Summer feeling like this.
People don't understand or sympathise with skin conditions as it's not life threatening....we'll not directly....and unfortunately it prompts the "eugh" reaction rather than sympathy or people thinking you're strong but it takes real strength and courage to live with this! It's uncommon too which adds to the feeling if being different!
JMO2016 kendra68
Posted
If you google there may be a charity in your area that helps with body make up to cover for events etc it was set up for birth mark covering but has moved into other skin problems where im from, some of those charities require referral from a dermatologist but it is worth looking into. There are some high street options also. As mine is so widespread i've given up on it now to be honest but for yourself may be worth it for social events? It is frustrating when you go to the gp and they just fob you off when it affects you so much psychologically
kendra68 JMO2016
Posted
Thanks for that. Might check out the camouflage makeup.
It really is frustrating going to the GP as all they want to prescribe are antidepressants but I wouldn't be depressed if I didn't have GA......or even if there was light at the end of the tunnel.
NightHawkSpirit kendra68
Posted
Hi my GA has been around for a few years. I have tried several of the things people talk about on here~ none worked. I recently moved to Germany... and I hear the doctors have helped with other 'interesting' things for friends of mine. Either way... like the rest of you, I am sick and tired of explaining or covering up.
As to camouflage makeup.... I have begun using some... had to dig around because there are several. What I did figure out is that you want it to be waterproof! Also, different times of year mean different pigmentation. And, since the outer ring is raised, remember that always stays!
I focused on makeup that covers tatoos.
debsmith58 nora94022
Posted
Agreed. Tried all of the gluten free, antihistamine, probiotic "cures" mentioned here over the past year. It's only spreading. 😔
lisak1313 nora94022
Posted
My 6 year old son has recently been diagnosed after months of excema, dermatitis, ring worm treatment, been to dermatologist who has officially diagnose G.A, wants to screen for diabetes but has been discharged. That's it. No treatment. Nothing.
I cant believe there's nothing worth trying, he's a 6 year old boy this is going to have a huge psychological impact on his life but What do you do? What now? He's no follow up appointments, nothing.. He's got it on his foot, hand and looks to be starting on his ear :-(
JMO2016 lisak1313
Posted
I feel for you, mine was all over the backs of my legs when i was your sons age and on my feet my mum had a very small patch and i got it reallt bad although they say its not genetic i really hope my son doesn't get it , they offered pretty intensive treatment of steroid injections and uv treatment that my mum refused as i was so young and it can thin/damage the skin. (This was 20years ago i dont think they would offer this treatment to someone as young now) i will be honest other children did pick on me for it in the summer time when it was more on show, my mum and dad were there had talks with the school etc. unfortunately this didnt stop it but they were always there, i was told i would grow out of it by the consultant by about 17 but i wish i was told it could be there forever. It would of prepared me more, however when it got bad my mum told me to tell the mean kids it was really contagious and they didn't come near me after that! LOL Be there for your son if he gets upset he will have friends and im sure your a brilliant mum and that will be the best thing for him if he gets upset over it! if it gets worse when hes older they may offer treatment be prepared it may not work though, this is just my experience and it was a long time ago things/kids/schools have changed since i was his age he may hav e a very different experience with his GA its difficult but try to stay positive and he will see that my mum says she used to worry about it all the time but she never showed me that which i really thank her for now
lani614 nora94022
Posted
Hi Nora!
I was diagnosed with GA about 4 years ago. I'm guessing I've had for about 6 though. I moved to California and luckily my new Derm was in-the-know and quickly diagnosed me. I wasn't so lucky with the first one. He gives me tiny surface level Cortisone shots into each "bump" of the GA spots and it helps to quickly reduce the texture of the area (within days). Unfortunately a side effect of the Cortisone leaves behind a slight discoloration (usually a little purple bruise like spot) but I prefer this over the other. The discoloration usually goes away within a month or so. If I catch the new spot early, I might not get the discoloration at all.
My my derm is good about staying on top of the newest research and while GA is not usually studied, he mentioned there are some new exciting trials happening with eczema and he thinks the treatments will also be applied to GA.
Hope this info can help!
Lani
debsmith58 lani614
Posted
That's good Lani. It means that yours is localized enough to spot treat.
Mine is generalized, All on the underside of my arms, sides of hips, and down the back and inside of my legs. Too much to shoot locally. Saw my derm today (great doc btw, in San Diego, CA). Said latest reseach for the generalized type is showing some promise with Hydroxychloroquine which is used for Malaria and Lupis with some success.
I haven't decided whether to try it as it's not approved for GA and insurance may not pay for it because of that - of course it's quite expensive...
tia8989 nora94022
Posted