Will vinegar solve ugly skin problem?

Q. My 53-year-old daughter has been diagnosed with a skin condition called granuloma annulare. It looks like red, circular patches on her arms or legs.

She was told there is nothing that can be done to treat it.

This is quite embarrassing, since she works in sales and must interact with the public. People shy away. Is there any way to get rid of this red scourge?

A. Doctors have no idea what causes granuloma annulare. It can be unsightly, because the red bumps occur on hands, feet, legs and arms. It is not dangerous or catching and may disappear on its own.

Dermatologists may treat this skin condition with topical or injected steroids.

Years ago, we heard from a woman about a home remedy: “I have been struggling with a skin condition called granuloma annulare. After three years, two dermatologists and a lot of frustration, I found an article that said viruses do not like acid, and granuloma annulare was considered viral.

“I put two and two together and decided to try white vinegar. I soaked my hands in the vinegar 15 minutes every day for a month. The results were amazing. After one month, 85 percent of the lesions are gone from my hands.”

A listener to our radio show reported that Vagisil also worked on granuloma annulare. This over-the-counter treatment for vaginal infections contains resorcinol, an antimicrobial ingredient with antifungal activity.

We don’t know if either approach would help your daughter, but the risks are low.

Q. I was having difficulty bending my right leg enough to put on my sock. I climbed steps like a 3-year-old, one step at a time. I had to use my arms to get up from sitting.

In desperation, I decided to try your home remedy of grape juice with Certo.

I planned to give it a month. Within three days, I was putting on my socks with no difficulty. Yesterday (less than a month since I began), I found myself going up stairs like an adult.

I understand that nobody knows how this works, and I am a skeptic, but it works for me!

A. Many years ago, a reader suggested Certo mixed into grape juice instead of gin-soaked raisins for joint pain. Certo is plant pectin used in home canning to thicken jams and jellies.

Research hints that ingredients in red grape juice have anti-inflammatory properties (American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, July 2006).

There are recipes and other home remedies in the Guide to Alternatives for Arthritis we are sending. Anyone who would like a copy, please send $3 in check or money order with a long (No. 10), stamped (61 cents), self-addressed envelope to: Graedons’ People’s Pharmacy, No. AA-2, P.O. Box 52027, Durham, NC 27717-2027. It also can be downloaded for $2 from our website: www.peoplespharmacy.com.

In their column, Joe and Teresa Graedon answer letters from readers. Write to them in care of The Vindicator or e-mail them via their website: www.PeoplesPharmacy.com. Their newest book is “Favorite Foods From The People’s Pharmacy: Mother Nature’s Medicine.”

2010 King Features Syndicate Inc.