Lupus rash??

Hi all,

Please see photo of rash on hand. This comes and goes often. Please let me know what you think.

Hugs <3

[Purpletop]

Does it appear elsewhere on the hands, for example the knuckles? Have you ever had it on the top of the fingers (I.e. Not on the knuckles)?

[Hidden in reply to Purpletop]

It can be across the back of my hands also. Seems to be worse around my knuckles though.

[Purpletop in reply to Hidden]

Have a look at dermatomyositis - sometimes triggered by lupus. What other symptoms you have - muscle pain particularly shoulders, neck and top of arms? Sometimes difficulty breathing? Sometimes difficulty swallowing? Dermatomyositis can come and go, may have other symptoms with skin ones, or may not. It depends on each person.

Have a look online (don't freak out, though, this is only a suggestion and I'm not a doctor, I may be completely wrong). If you think symptoms are similar, speak to your rheumatologist about it. As it is connected to lupus, you might not get different medication for it, maybe topical steroid creams for the skin rash if it becomes bothersome but otherwise remain on your current treatment plan. Speak to your rheumy, I may be wrong! I can't stress this enough.

[Hidden in reply to Purpletop]

Thank you so much for your advice. Will definitely mention this. Can't seem to find light at the end of the tunnel!

[Kryptisium0792 in reply to Hidden]

I have a condition called dyshidrotic eczema. In my case it's brought on my stress & seasonal allergies. It looks a lot like this. I get it between my fingers & toes, across the backs of my hands, & on the tops of my things close to the knee. If I pop them they weep a clear fluid, which relieves the itching but seems to make it spread. But if I leave them alone they itch terribly & hurt when I move.

Check with your doctor. My doc gave me some cream that helps with the itching. But according to what I've read up on it, if it is dyshidrotic eczema, they're still not sure what causes it so all they could offer me was symptom relief.

[Purpletop]

A lupus rash would normally appear at the top finger joints. If knuckles are involved, it can either be rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis or dermatomyositis. The way it looks in your picture makes me think it is dermatomyositis. It will depend on the rest of the symptoms but if the rash is restricted to the hands (not the rest of the body) and it comes and goes, it is more likely to be dermatomyositis as the other two have a more persistent pattern.

Good luck and let me know how it goes at the doctor.

[Hidden in reply to Purpletop]

Seems to be mostly on hands. I have tiny purple spots on my thighs that look like little bruises. Will mention that too. Thank you again it's just nice to hear someone come up with the same answer as you.

Will keep you posted. Hugs

[ShannonB]

For what it's worth, I have diagnosed lupus and the rash I get with my flares looks just like that and it's itchy, but it pops up all over - face, neck, shoulders, hands, as well as top of legs, between fingers, etc. i know it's not typical but seems to be come and go with all my other symptoms. Hope it goes for you soon or you get some answers.

[Tpyo32988]

I know this is years later but I got the same rash too... I was thinking that it was something I was washing my hands with until I found out my skin is sensitive to sunlight. I stopped going out in the sun but I use to always still get in on my hands. Then I thought about it, I get hand nails done every two weeks and they always put my hands under the Uv light to dry. Maybe that’s what’s doing it?? I’m just guessing.

[Bec7777]

Hi. I have a very similar rash comes and goes had similar on leg diagnosed as shingles. Dr thinks Lupus as 4x positive ANA bloods plus fatigue and pain in hips neck head. Will see specialist next week. How did you get on Kimberley. X

[Akayc]

Gout

[Hidden in reply to Akayc]

Really helpful reply. Tit.