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Arthritis (Expert Forum)
WHAT IS THIS?
Answered by
Kevin Pho, MD - Internal Medicine
Kevin Pho, MD
Boston - MA
This forum is for questions and support regarding arthritis issues such as: Arthritis, Autoimmune Disease, Bursitis, Fibromyalgia, Gout, Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis, Lupus, Myositis, Neuralgia, Osteoarthritis, Polymyalgia Rheumatica, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Sciatica, Tendinitis, Vasculitis.
WHAT IS THIS?
by SASSY-30, Oct 15, 2004 12:00AM
About 18 months ago I had a rash on both inner elbows, bright red in colour and spot sizes ranging from 1mm – 4mm in diameter, they did not hurt nor itch and lasted for about five days then went. A month later a got them again, same time thing and duration. Had about two more episodes over the next three months, then I got the same thing again but on my knees (just below the cap) stayed a couple of days then went. A couple more episodes on inner elbows then I got them on my feet, twice.
That was over a year and haven’t had them since.
In the last six months I’ve noticed mainly on inner elbows I get these spots but this time it looks more like blood spots, they go brown the next day then fade away (a day or two). This seems to happen during any kind of straining with my arms ie: painting, lifting things, carrying shopping and my arms always hurt like I’ve done fifty rounds of weight lifting! Even throwing a Frisbee caused my arm to hurt so much I couldn’t use it properly for 3 days. I’m a 31 year old woman (46kg) and I am due to see a rheumatologist in a few months due to severe bone pain from fingers to shoulders, should I mention this to him? Could this be connected in any way?
Do you have any suggestions?
That was over a year and haven’t had them since.
In the last six months I’ve noticed mainly on inner elbows I get these spots but this time it looks more like blood spots, they go brown the next day then fade away (a day or two). This seems to happen during any kind of straining with my arms ie: painting, lifting things, carrying shopping and my arms always hurt like I’ve done fifty rounds of weight lifting! Even throwing a Frisbee caused my arm to hurt so much I couldn’t use it properly for 3 days. I’m a 31 year old woman (46kg) and I am due to see a rheumatologist in a few months due to severe bone pain from fingers to shoulders, should I mention this to him? Could this be connected in any way?
Do you have any suggestions?
Doctor's Answer
by Kevin Pho, MD, Oct 18, 2004 12:00AM
, Oct 18, 2004 12:00AM
I would certainly mention the rash to your rheumatologist, since there are a variety of rheumatological diseases that are associated with rashes - lupus and dermatomysotitis for instance.
Dermatomyositis specifically can lead to rash and muscle weakness.
I certainly would be evaluated for both of these diseases, with a blood count, ANA level, as well as myositis-specific autoantibodies for instance.
If there does not seem to be a revealing diagnosis, biopsy of the lesions can lead to a more comprehensive evaluation.
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.
Medical Weblog:
kevinmd_b
Dermatomyositis specifically can lead to rash and muscle weakness.
I certainly would be evaluated for both of these diseases, with a blood count, ANA level, as well as myositis-specific autoantibodies for instance.
If there does not seem to be a revealing diagnosis, biopsy of the lesions can lead to a more comprehensive evaluation.
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.
Medical Weblog:
kevinmd_b
Member Comments
by kwag, Nov 21, 2004 12:00AM
I had small bumps pop up on my elbows, knees, feet and hands. I quit wheat and they went away. Could have been dermatitis herpetiformis-----did not do a biopsy. Just a thought.
