Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
230625 tn?1216761064

Rash and visit to dermatologist

I developed a fine rash on my arms and legs starting about 5 weeks ago.   It started just on my forearms, but has progressed up to both shoulders and both legs.  

I was thinking it might be an allergic reaction to the Lexapro since the rash is very similar to the rash I get with Penicillin.  I wanted my dermatologist's opinion before seeing my neuro next week. It iches, but you wouldn't really notice it if you looked at it.  It feels like sandpaper.

Dermatologist said not a drug allergy since it's not on my torso.  He wanted to know what other symptoms I've been having, so I explained my "possible MS" and planned visit to a rheumy, etc..

He's not sure whether it is some type of allergic reaction (I do have allergies/eczema) or could be related to what is going on with me.  :(

Asked all kinds of questions about sore joints, if my shoulders were weak, hair falling out (yes), if I have arthritis (yes, osteo)...

Gave me an Rx for Colbex and wants to see me in one week to see if the Colbex works or if he could figure out anything.

So, now, I'm thinking he may be thinking lupus.????

Well, I know you can have more than one auto-immune disease going on, but I never suspected Lupus.  I thought my neuro said that my testing didn't indicate Lupus when he did my LP/bloodwork back in March???

My recent CBC was normal, except for a slightly elevated WBC, ANA is normal, CMP is normal, CRP is a bit high, Sed rate normal.

Has anyone else got the testing for Lupus?  What about rashes?  

I'm so hoping it's just an eczema/dermatitis thing going on...  What else am I going to find out???

I've had normal ANA, Anti-SS-A, Anti-SS-B results, althought the SS-A and SS-B were back in March.
6 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
230625 tn?1216761064
Thanks Quix....  Are your eyes feeling better?

Hmmm.... "scarletina", that is interesting.  I wouldn't have thought about that.  Would that be something that would progress over your body like this has been doing?

As far as the sun... These "thunder-thighs" haven't seen the sun in about 20 years!!!! :-) So, no, the rash in not confined to a sun-exposed area.  It is now on the entire arm (wrist to shoulder) and the entire legs (ankle to upper thigh).

I'm assuming that Lupus could be ruled out?

Thanks and take care!  Pat :)
Helpful - 0
147426 tn?1317265632
Hey, Pat, the description of of a fine, sandpapery, red, itchy rash is the description of "scarletina" the rash of strep (usually strep throat, but may be of an infected skin sore called impetigo.)  I can't diagnose any skin thing online, but you should have a step throat test, even if there are no symptoms.

Of, course it also could be an allergic reaction.  The druggist is correct that "most" allergic reactions occur also on the torso, but it is not universal.  Is the rash is sun-exposed areas??  Think back were you aout in the sun in shorts 5 weeks ago?

Quix
Helpful - 0
230625 tn?1216761064
You don't sound grump at all.  I'm sorry you're not feeling well today.  :(

I guess I'm not sure what blood tests need to be done for Lupus above what I have had in October.

Do you mind telling me which blood tests you had to rule out Lupus?  I'm wondering if the negative ANA/Sed Rate etc., would be enough to rule it out?

Also, I agree with you.... I really don't like to have to wait for over 2 months for an appt!!  Maybe, I can get on a "cancellation list" and get in sooner!!

Thanks again and feel well soon!  Pat :)
Helpful - 0
305544 tn?1197997610
Can't you just call and ask for your doctor to order the blood test for you?  Then you can go to the lab and have your blood drawn, instead of waiting for sooo long.  I wouldn't be able to stand it and would harass the office until my request was fulfilled.  January is too long to have to wait and totally unfair.  I hope I don't upset you, I just think that if there is any chance you should be taken seriously.  Sorry if I sound grumpy, I don't feel so well today.
Terrie
Helpful - 0
230625 tn?1216761064
Thanks for your reply!

My dermatologist just gave me the Rx for the lotion, but wants to follow up in one week.  I don't know if he'll order any additional blood tests.

I don't have the characteristic butterfly rash.  I do have sore lymph nodes off and on (chest/underarm), hair falling out, overall body "shakiness" like I'm getting the flu, and now the progressive rash on my arms/legs.  Hmmmm.....

I recently had the CBC w/diff/ ANA/Sed Rate/CRP/CMP/RPR/Thyroid done by a PCP.

Just called for a Rheumatologist appointment.  I can't get in until January 15!!  :(  Ugh...  Well, I guess I'll take a break from this stuff for the holidays.  This rheumy was voted "Best Doc of 2006" for her field and is a researcher and teacher, so I'm hoping she can get some answers for me.

January will be the one year mark that I've started looking for a diagnosis.  :(
Helpful - 0
305544 tn?1197997610
Yes, Lupus can have many of the same symptoms as MS except is usually forms a rash, sometimes referred as a butterfly looking rash.  Did he take blood tests for you?  I was tested for Lupus, but mine was negative and I did not have a rash.  Let us know how you are doing and what your tests results reveal.  We will be thinking about you.
Terrie
Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Multiple Sclerosis Community

Top Neurology Answerers
987762 tn?1671273328
Australia
5265383 tn?1669040108
ON
1756321 tn?1547095325
Queensland, Australia
1780921 tn?1499301793
Queen Creek, AZ
Learn About Top Answerers
Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
Find out how beta-blocker eye drops show promising results for acute migraine relief.
In this special Missouri Medicine report, doctors examine advances in diagnosis and treatment of this devastating and costly neurodegenerative disease.
Here are 12 simple – and fun! – ways to boost your brainpower.
Discover some of the causes of dizziness and how to treat it.
Discover the common causes of headaches and how to treat headache pain.
Two of the largest studies on Alzheimer’s have yielded new clues about the disease