Granuloma Anulare, Hives, Pityriasis Rosea

3 years ago I was diagnosed and treated (creme) for Granuloma Anulare.  After that went away, a year later, I was diagnosed and treated for hives (pills).  After that went away, a year later, I was diagnosed and treated (uv rays)for Pityriasis Rosea.  Today, 7 months later, I have little bumps starting out pink and darkening.  The biggest one on my shoulder itches.  I think it's the Pityriasis but I'm not sure.  I'm in Paris and I guess I'll have to find a tanning salon because at this point I've seen enough doctors to know that whatever I have now has no known cause or cure, so they would be of no use.  My question is this:  what is the connection?  Prior to 3 years ago I have never in my life had any skin condition of any kind.  I have no known allergies.  Are there any other skin conditions of unknown origin and unknown cure that are related to the 3 aforementioned?

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

April:

In fact, all three conditions you have are common, of unknown cause, and completely unrelated either to systemic disease or to each other.  I would not be much concerned about any of them.  Urticaria (hives) recur, but pityriasis comes but once.  As to doctors not being of much use, I certainly take your point.

Take care.

Dr. Rockoff