Dermatomyositis

I have been getting some very odd skin abnormalities and was wondering if anyone can relate.  First off, I have been having extreme muscle pain especially in my cervical neck, shoulders and back.  This has persisted for about 2 years.  Other symptoms have continually become apparent.  I am very fatigued, don't sleep well, have migraines (about once a month), bloated and discomfort in the lower abdomen, very sensitive to heat and cold temperatures, and am gaining weight.  It seems like almost everyday while at work I feel extremely cold.  Then about 30 minutes later, I still feel cold but my skin gets unbelievably red (especially my face, neck, chest, and arms).  I am also noticing a blotchy aspect to my skin almost around the clock.  It's very red with distinct white blotches about a cm in diameter.  My grandmother has been diagnosed with dermatomyositis which would explain the muscular problems, but I don't know if my skin issues fit the "rash" normally associated with this condition.

[karajo]

Hi and welcome to MedHelp.

Your symptoms sound familiar with lupus.  Has your dr. tested your ANA, sed rate, etc.  The skin manifestations could be discoid lupus, but your other symptoms sound like SLE.  Which can go together.