I have had a rash for at least the past 3 years which I just re-noticed recently. Because of its location, I have not been able to see it well (just looked like a darker patch of skin from a distance). Anyway, after reading about blood disorders, when I found out an old friend had died of Leukemia, I came across a reference to Petechiae (sp?) which in some cases seemed to resemble the more isolated patches of the rash that I could see on my ankle. I never bruise though, and cannot remember the last time I saw a bruise on my body.
So, I broke out the digital camera and noticed that the spots were all over my feet and melded into a single mass around the toes. The rash is completely flat, does not itch or burn. Here is a link to the picture:
http://www.safehavenpointe.com/leftfoot.jpg
http://www.safehavenpointe.com/rightfoot.jpg
I went to the doctor and he was stumped. My main purpose for going was to be checked for Pernicious Anemia, since I was having some of the symptoms and the disease runs in my family. His recommended action was to await the blood work, and see if there was a cause to be found there.
If you notice in the picture, around the edges, the bumps are isolated and look like little cirlces. The appearance on my shins and ankles are very sparse in comparison to my feet. I cannot tell if the discoloration is due to hemoglobin or melanin, as it seems almost a redish brown.
Here are some other symptoms I have had recently:
After recovering from the flu in November, I have had an elevated temperature in the low 99's.
I have been have recurrent sinus infections and a persistant occassional productive cough of clear mucous.
Have been avoiding stairs because they leave me drained.
Occasional boughts of breathlessness.
Always feeling hot, especially when trying to sleep. I have to sleep with the heat off, or I wake up with my bed covered with sweat.
Occasional weakness in my arms or sometimes just the hands.
Inability to keep my balance with the lights off
Feeling sleepy no matter how many hours of sleep I get
Anyway, I have been usually healthy in my life, and the fact that I even had a bought with the flu was rare. I don't think the above symptoms are related to the rash on my feet, as it has been around for at least 3 years, but to a lessor degree.
I have already seen a doctor, yesterday, I just want additional advice on the rash, as he seemed stumped.