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Dermatology (Expert Forum)
Rash on front of legs followed by swelling of both legs
Answered by
Alan Rockoff, MD - dermatology, Child Skin Problems
The Rockoff Dermatology Center
Brookline - MA
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Rash on front of legs followed by swelling of both legs
by cwgrlk8, May 17, 2007 12:00AM
About 10 years ago I experienced a burning sensation only on the front of both of my thighs that quickly became an angry red, burning rash that exhibits raised lines that almost resemble welts. It becomes very painful, does not break, bleed or weep. This rash can extend down the front of my calves, but does not involve my kneecaps. It does NOT extend all the way around my legs, only from about 2 inches from the top of my thighs downward. It now happens 3 - 4 times a year and takes about 1-2 weeks to resolve. Once it resolves, I appear to have lines on my skin where the patterns were - they do not break nor bleed, just rough for a short while. Placing any lotions or creams on my thighs or legs causes intense pain and reddening as in a chemical reaction. I can only tolerate Infinite Aloe or pure emu oil products. After the first 2 days my legs swell from the thighs all the way to my ankles, not my feet. A punch biopsy was inconclusive, the edema is not pitting and my doctors say it's the strangest thing they have seen, shaking their heads. After 2 - 3 weeks of swelling, it dissipates and then I am "normal" until the next episode. Occassionally, the pain and swelling shows up in my right arm - no rash. I have addressed detergents, materials and diet as cause. Lyme Disease test showed positive for the past. Thyroid normal, Mitrovalve Prolapse exist. Legs do swell occassionally without a rash introduction. Daughter as Juvenile RA, rest of family is "normal".
Doctor's Answer
by Alan Rockoff, MD, May 18, 2007 12:00AM
, May 18, 2007 12:00AM
If the doctors who examined you and performed an inconclusive biopsy are stumped, I'm afraid I can't be definitive either. Over the years I have seen patients who have intermittent itchy, sensitive swellings that sound somewhat like what you're describing. Sometimes I've had to treat them with short courses of oral steroids, to shorten the course and mitigate the symptoms. Of course, it's better to know the cause, but in such cases there may be no specific discernible cause, which leaves symptomatic treatment the best available course. You might talk this over further with your doctors.
Best.
Dr. Rockoff
Best.
Dr. Rockoff
