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Arthritis  (Expert Forum)
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skin burning sensation, slightly high ANA 1:40, stress?
Answered by
Kevin Pho, MD - Internal Medicine
Kevin Pho, MD Boston - MA
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MedHelp Member's Question

skin burning sensation, slightly high ANA 1:40, stress?

by louisiana, Jan 18, 2006 12:00AM
I am 25 yrs old with a short med history, alwats very healthy. In Aug., I got a really bad yeast infection (outer) that my dr and I could not get to go away. It finally did, bit it is still really dry down there. After every test possible, they said it was just a yeast infec. A week later my pap came back irreg and I had a colcoscopy, whicg really added major stress to the fact I could not get rid of the yeast. Colcoscopy came back normal. Ever since I have had severe burning skin sensations, esp in legs and behind. I get cold sores could this be related? I do not have genital herpes. I had an MRI and lots of blood work. My neuro sent me to a rheum. b/c ANA was slightly high,1:40, but rhem said not to worry.  I told him that my skin burned and arms/back were itchy tingly and he said that wsa not a sign of anything auto imune.  He said everything looked good according to other blood work and brain MRI.  Back MRI showed 4 buldging discs and one protruding, but neuro said this would not cause tobasco like sensation in legs and a little in arms. The only other thing that changed when the burning stopped is I got off of the Nuva ring after being on it for 2.5 yrs. Could hormones cause my skin to burn. I also lost about 6 lbs. Could it be stresss causing burning? I keep waiting for it to pass. I had a brain MRI to rule out MS which can cause burning but not usually in multiple places like I have it. I was also taking valtrex for a cold sore about a week before the burning started??? No fever or anything came back from bloodwork. My ANA was so slightly + that the rhem did not know why I wa referred and did not want to do any other testing. I also have itchy arms, like little bugs are crawling, worse when I wear long sleeves. Am I just going to have to live with this. The burning is worse when I Sit down.  My energy level is great, I never get sick if that helps, no swolen joints, but my left knee aches every once in a while?????????????????
Doctor's Answer

by Kevin Pho, MD, Jan 19, 2006 12:00AM
Difficult to say without examination.  You can consider electrodiagnostic testing (i.e. an EMG) to evaluate for any peripheral nerve disorders.  The MRIs that you have had are a pretty comprehensive evaluation of the central nervous system.  



With the bulging disks, you can consider a neurosurgical opinion to ensure this isn't causing your paresthesias and burning feelings.



An ANA level of 1:40 is very mildly elevated - and not specific to any disease by itself.  



Other tests to consider would be blood tests looking at the B-12 level, as well as thyroid and liver function testing - since diseases affecting these levels may present with the symptoms you are describing.



These options can be discussed with your personal physician.



Followup with your personal physician is essential.



This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.



Kevin, M.D.

kevinmd_b
Member Comments (10)

by utnd, Jan 19, 2006 12:00AM
Thank you very much.  I had an EMG and it was normal.  All other blood work, thyroid and the masses of other work was normal as well.  My GP referred me to the Neuro who referred me to the rhem so I am getting the run around with no answers other htan youa re just fine so I will continue to believe that; however, the burnign pain is unncomfortable at times.  I guess it could be nerve damage due to anxiety.

by better by spring, Jan 21, 2006 12:00AM
In the field of rheumatology it can take years to get a diagnosis.  One thing that helps patients with autoimmune disease is a lidocain cream that is rubbed on the area. Even though you do not have that diagnosis, one of your MDs might order a trial of this just to see if it might bring you some relief.  Good Luck in your search for help.

Better By Spring

by utnd, Jan 23, 2006 12:00AM
What disease could cause your skin to burn with no other symptoms?  Could hormones or stress?  Could my disc problems cause it?  Could it be an allergy that I have developed?  I have no other symptoms at all, except for back pain.  The rhem. I went to took one look at me and asked a few questions and said I have no signs of an auto-immune disorder.  He also looked at my MRIs and additional blood work.  The first time I had the icy/hot feeling was over two mos. ago and it happended in a time of high stress at work????????????

by pazman1, Feb 12, 2006 12:00AM
I also have burning sensations all over, see my post, still no answers, I guess I have to go for all the tests again. It seems no one ever gets a diagnosis or relieve from these symptoms, mine is constant.

by lupuseyes, Feb 18, 2006 12:00AM
I too have had burning legs, buttocks and some in arms for 7 years now ... 24/7.  I also have four bulged discs, one protruding (cervical),one in thoracic and two in lumbar. I have had all the tests neurologically and rheumatoid.  Back and forth for years.  Also saw neurosurgeon.  Answer was always the same ... should not be causing the burning. MRI, CT, EMG all normal.  ANA was positive a few years back, but they never bothered checking again until recently. Now it is consistently positive and RA has also been positive then negative again.  My internist thinks I have lupus.  Although I still don't meet the full criteria, he is treating me for it.  Neurontin has helped the burning quite abit.  I sit on a heating pad all the time, only way to be comfortable.  Friend of mine was also going through this, ended up having a thyroid disease, but took so long to diagnose.  She is good now.



As time has passed, more symptoms have occurred. Although they may not be able to fully diagnose something right now, find someone who believes in you and will keep monitoring you.  That alone took me years.  In the meantime, research has shown me that flax seed oil is a good thing to try.  If the problem is inflammatory (Lupus, RA )or simply inflammation from the disc degeneration, it may help.  I've only just started so can't comment on it's effect.  But know it can't hurt ... it's an excellent source of omega 3 essential fatty acids.



Anytime there is a health condition, stress does exacarbate the symptoms.  Managing stress does help.



Good Luck and I'ld like to hear from you again.

by lupuseyes, Feb 18, 2006 12:00AM
Hi again.  Forgot to add that hormones play a huge role as well.  I'm guaranteed to flare up pre-menstrually and it doesn't start to calm until a few days post.  All that I have read indicates that this is common, but don't know why!

by utnd, Feb 23, 2006 12:00AM
I really appreciate the feedback.  When I suggested Lupus to the rheum, he shook his head no and said that would not cause burning unless it was advanced and with everything else feeling fine, he did not feel that was it.  My ANA was 1:40, which is very slightly elev.  My rhem also said that meant nothing considering other blood work was good.  My chiro seems to think it is the disc problems and he said he sees this all the time????  I am not sure.

by Banks, Apr 12, 2006 12:00AM
Hi,



I have read many of your posts.

I would encourage all of you with Tingeling, burning and other unexplained symtoms to research Lyme disease.



My  first symptoms were tingeling and skin burning, twitching.

I was misdiagnosed for 2 yrs, which allowed Lyme {Bb} to increase.



Many unexplained symtoms ae usually caused by ONE thing.



Lyme is the great imitator.



Do a lot of research.

The ONLY test that is OK is the Western Blot from Igenex lab in Calif.



Anyone who thinks they may have Lyme is welcome to email me

***@****



Lymenet.com is a great place to do research.



Good luck,



Yes I have disks problems too.

That is what they thought was the problem.

Did a 3-4 C fusion- Oh  MY, triggered the Lyme