unexplained rash

[ulsterchick61]

I am recently diagnosed and have been put on hydroxychloroquine, I was on one tablet for 2 weeks and increased to 2 tablets daily last week. I have a rash come up all over my legs especially my ankles and feet, as well as arms and torso. I have ...

[Sjink]

I would get to your GP or failing that call her/him or your rheumy nurse. May be an allergy - does it itch? I get itchy rashes that are very pink and move around my body (called hives) but often start on feet or hands (extremities) but I have a lot of medication allergies and am used to this happening now.. I also get hives in high pollen count areas and a generalised itch that responds well to cetirizine an anti-histamine. Not sure if this helps xx

[madmagz]

Hi I have been a lupie for almost twenty years and it affects my skin badly as I am photosensitive - sensitive to ultraviolet rays which means that the discoid leisions that I get are brought up by not only the sun but also low energy light bulbs and florescent lighting. I have to wear a sun cream of at least factor fifty on all exposed skin I also wear long trousers thick enough to block all rays, and cover my arms and hands all year round - yes this means I wear gloves, scarf and something on my head all year. I had a referral to a dermatologist from my G.P. and since seeing her my skin has been much better, I use steroid creams and another cream which works with my immune system. I am on methotrexate weekly and steroids daily but am so much better than I was now, I have been in such a bad way with my skin in the past that I needed hospitalising but as long as I apply the creams and cover myself up things stay under control. I personally after going through all this would recommend you ask to see a dermatologist she has been the most helpful person of all and knows exactly what she is dealing with.

Good luck

Madmagz x

[willow80]

Hi

When I was placed on hydroxychloroquine the same happened to me, but it was all over the body. I went to see my GP and he immediately stopped it as he stated I was allergic to the medication. I definitely agree with the others go and see someone.

Hope you get it sorted soon.

[ulsterchick61]

spoke to the doctor today and seeing her tomorrow, she is going to call my dermatologist in the mean time, but she thinks it is an allergic reaction so may have to stop tablets. I will let you know how I get on, thanks as ever for all your support xxx

[Sjink]

Good luck. I can't take hydroxychoriquin (because of eye problems) but tolerate mepacrine fine - no allergy or problem at all. Xx

[loulou2209 in reply to Sjink]

Hi. can you tell me what problems hydroxychoriquine causes to your eyes. I am on this since October 2013 and have been diagnosed just recently with sle and I find my eyes are blurry, get sore and imflammed and watery. Don't know if this is to do with thebdrugbor thyroid problems as I have graves disease and had rai a year and a half ago.. Also been off work since Sept 2013 and although I feel a bit better don't know how I will manage to get back. I also have problems with skin and am allergic to UVA and currently getting UVA1 treatment. I really need to get back to work as move is getting short and I am a single parent. Luckily my children are teenagers. this is the first lost to this site. and I apologise for the extremely long post. Thank you.

[tmh66 in reply to Sjink]

I was recently told there are no problems with hydroxychloroquin and eyes, when it was just chloroquine there were problems but now he said no problems have been registered since adding hydroxy.

[Sjink in reply to tmh66]

Hi. I think medical opinions vary on hydroxy and eyes but the Eye hospital consultant wrote to my rheumy to say that in their opinion there was damage to my eye, it could have been due to hydroxycloroquine and I should not take it anymore . But it is very rare that damage is caused I am just unlucky. I have some rare allergies and intolerances too. X

[Sjink]

Hi. Very rarely (in about 1 in 2000 cases) hydroxycholoroquine may damage the retina (part of the eye). you should get an eye test when you start the drug - my rheumy got me to get one. I had this very rare side effect and one of my eyes has permanent slight damage to it. Unlucky for me but great it was caught. Hence the mepacrine which is probably not as effective but less harmful. It does make you yellow at higher doses tho as it has a yellow colour! I also have to be careful with steroids as they up the pressure in my eyes (I have glaucoma) and also I am starting cataracts - duh! So low dose steroids occasionally. I have a lot of drug allergies and unusual reactions to meds. Always have had since a child. So suggest you go to an optometrist and get a check and maybe speak with doc about your eyes also. I have secondary Sjogrens which makes my eyes dry, sore and red sometimes. Use soothing Liquifilm tears (on prescription) as eye drops for that. Good luck with work. I am finally working part time after 10 years mostly unemployed with illness. Like you money is tight so back to glad to be earning a bit again although my health has slipped down since starting work. Xxx