underarm rash

[sewwhat_link]

Hi everyone. I am new here so nice to meetcha! I have been dx'd with MS for more than five years. My main symptoms are fatigue, weakness in my lower extremities, & back numbness. Yesterday, however, I noticed a rash under my arm that I have never seen before. It doesn't itch but it quite nasty looking. I thought it would be gone by today but it has spread a bit down the inside of my arm and around to my back. This rash is raised a little and is only on my right side. Hmmm?? Any suggestions before I call my doc? My Mom has Lupus so I am wondering....but my blood test five years ago didn't suggest Lupus (ANA normal).
Thanks. Have a great Sunday.
Sewwhat_link

[sllowe]

Hi Sew,

Welcome to the forum.  Do you inject DMT's in the arm? Since you've been dx'd for 5 years, have you ever had any site reactions like this?

I would for sure get it checked, infection would not be good, nor anything to put off if it's more than a rash. . .

be well,
SL

[young at heart]

WELCOME TO OUR CYBER FAMILY,

I WOULD ON THE SAFE SIDE CONTACT CALL THE DR AS IT SOUNDS LIKE IT COULD BE A REACTION TO SOMETHING.IT'S BETTER TO BE SAFE THAN SORRY.

T

[Heather3418]

Welcome to the forum.  I have MS and my son-in-law has Lupus, so I can understand why you are a bit nervous about the rash.  

Have you changed laundry detergents, or underarm anit-persperants or even perfumes?  This would be my first guess.  A slight contact allergy of some sort.

Heather

[Quixotic1]

I forgot the link to the nerve map.

http://www.backpain-guide.com/Chapter_Fig_folders/Ch06_Path_Folder/4Radiculopathy.html

[Quixotic1]

My first thought was shingles - a reactivation of the Herpes Zoster ( chickenpox) virus.  It would follow the path of a single dermatome, that is a single sensory nerve from the spine.  It is not always painful and itchy.  Think shingles if the area starts out bumpy and then froms blisters.

Here is a map of generally where each nerve covers.  Look at the map and see if one of the nerves (I'm thinking C8 or T1) matches where the rash is spreading.  If it matches tell your doctor.  You might want to be on an antiviral med for a few days.

Do you have any lymph node swelling under the arm in deep?

Hope this was helpful, it's just a guess.

Quix  

[sewwhat_link]

Hi all,
Thanks so much for your helpful advice. Okay...no change in laundry (I've used Melaleuca for 4 yrs), no new deodorant, & my injections have only left skin depressions on my arm and upper thigh (if it would only work on my butt???). So to be on the safe side I am seeing my primary today. I am now remembering weird things like redness on my cheek bones and unexplained low grade fevers. Hmmm... We shall see. Will keep you posted.
Sew