So.. until a few days ago I had never heard of GA. Sept. 1 I started visiting a tanning salon. I was going three days a week for ten minutes to lie in a bed. After about a month I noticed two really itchy patches, being concerned and terrified it was skin cancer, I went the dermatologist. From the time the first two spots appeared to when I actually went in for my appointment, I had developed 9 new spots. My dermatologist did a biopsy last Friday, since then I have developed so many and I mean SO SO many spots you can't count them. They are immensely itchy. It's damn near unbearable. My doctor won't do a thing until the report comes back and I am literally suffering physically and emotionally. Everyday I find new spots, some tiny and some larger than my thumb. What can I do? Does anyone else have this spots? Is anyone itching this badly?
My granuloma has never been itchy - what you have sounds more like hives (uticaria) or an allergy - does anyone else get itch with granuloma?
I have found the condition to be very itchy; it extends from top of hands up to elbows.
Didn't know it was itchy for others - mine just appears as a cluster of dots and then spreads outwards clearing from the middle but has never itches thanks goodness! Best of luck with your diagnosis Kayla!
Hi Kayla
If it's itching that badly it may not be GA. Wait until your biopsy results come back
I too have this since June 2014 and definitely affected emotionally as well as pysically! After using sunbeds all my adult life (am now 49) just realised this Summer it's the sunbed/sun that is triggering my GA which has actually made me feel worse.........at least if could tan would cover it up a little. Worst case scenario for me so feel your pain! But wait and see it may not be GA and if it is you may be one of the lucky ones and it may go away spontaneously.
What did the biopsy show? Is it GA? My GA does not itch.
There are different types of granuloma .... http://www.dermnetnz.org/topics/granuloma-annulare/
Don't know if site will allow this link but it describes different types with pictures - I found it helpful as my two sons have a different type of ga than me
Hi Kayla
Yes I have GA that covers me from head do tie very itchy and painfull!! I been dealing with it for over a year. Tried everything that I can use nothing helps.. My co-worker gave me some steroids pill not perasone don't remember the name and they are almost cleared up...good luck.. as soon as I remember the name I'll get the name of the pill I will come back and give you all the names I'll just pil that I've taken.
Thanks, guys. No. The biopsy hasn't come in yet. Hopefully it will today and they will call me. I took some Benadryl last night and it helped with the itching or maybe I was just so tired I didn't notice. I believe I have generalized GA. It described as a rash that covers large areas of the body and multiple locations. I have it every where guys. Nipples, my scalp, my legs, my arms, my inner thighs, my torso, my back. It's funny.. they say the most common type is found on the hands and feet, but as of now.. I don't have any there nor do I have any on my face. Thank God! I will keep you guys updated and let you know what they say. I'' so glad I found this site!!!
Okay. So.. the biopsy came back. I actually have nummular dermatitis. It's terrible!!!
Take heart......better than GA!
Good news despite the pain of it, you'll get better xxx best of luck x ❤ no more sunbeds ❤XXXX
humira works and I went to 2 doctors who have used it with success
Okay! Thanks. I'll ask my doctor about it!!
as an addendum, the Humira is approximately 7-8 injections so it is temporary, just a couple months, and it completely resolved.
Hi - about Humira - Would this be an off-label use of Humira for GA? What are the side-effects? My doc is reluctant to use these drugs because of the side-effects.
Tia, I've been denied Humira by Premera twice. Waiting on third appeal. Do you have insurance and if so, what company? I read on another forum that after success with Humira, GA returned with a vengeance!
Humira is off label use for GA. There are six published medical reports touting the success of Humira. Premera won't approve the expense. My doctor is the head of Dermatology at UW in Seattle. He is appealing (for the third time) Premera's decision on my behalf. I'll take the side effects over the rash!
Hi Cathygardengal, I have spoken to 3 dermatologists about treating GA. They were with the Cleveland Clinic, a prominent New York Hospital, and the Boca Raton area. All 3 were on Castle Connolly's Top Doctors list. None of them mentioned Humira as a treatment. Can you send me the name of the doctor at UW Hospital that you consulted with? I would like to consult with him. Thanks.
Google Humira for granuloma annulare then click on on update. All the research will be there. Take it to your doctors, that's what I did.
My doctor is retiring and I haven't won the third appeal for insurance to cover Humira. In the meantime I'm looking into bioidentical hormone replacement therapy as one of our forum gals has had success. It makes sense to me because this started in peri menopause.