Please help!

[catchie0408]

Hi. About 5 years ago I tested positive for ANA but negative for any autoimmune dissorder including lupus. 3 days ago I noticed a v shaped rash/red spots on my chest. 2 days ago, I noticed red spots that don't itch or burn on my arms. Should I be concerned? Please help....

[Triscichick]

Positive ANA suggests Lupus...?

[catchie0408 in reply to Triscichick]

My doctor thought so but results came back negative...

[kinnea]

I think you should certainly get it checked out. It sounds like it could be a lupus flare. I would go see GP asap. Don't be fobbed off!

[Bellaflowe]

Hi here. Don't know if this will help but testing positive for ANA suggests lupus AND even if your ANA was negative it could still be lupus. Alot of people with lupus symptoms go undiagnosed because of negative ANA and end up frustrated and suffering. When did you last have blood tests taken to check for ANA or Autoimmune disease?

When you had the rash on your chest, were you out in the sun on that day? Or even just a really bright day? The same goes for your arms. The rash on your chest could be the result of sun sensitivity. I get that too. And your arms, how big are the red spots? I have red spots all over my arms and legs and when I'm feeling crap and having a flare, they get much more red and even purple. The rash itself shouldn't concern you but if it's still there, take photos of. Whether its there or not - make a doctors appointment. Have new blood tests and show them the rash, either on your body or photos. Always take photos of rashes that you get that aren't normal to you, it will help your doctor to see them.

I hope this has helped you. There is no need to be concerned. Rashes are normal and although they may look horrible and scare you, it's just an ugly rash. But make a doctors appointment and get those blood tests.

Let us know how you get on, please

[catchie0408 in reply to Bellaflowe]

Thank you so much for the advice. Last blood work was 5 years ago. I've never had sun sensativity but yes I was in the sun that day. As far as I can remember, it wasn't even for very long. The spots are small dots started red now somewhat purpleish-brownish across the top of my hands and forearms.

[Bellaflowe in reply to catchie0408]

No problem at all I have to wear total sunblock when the sun is out and stay in the shade as much as possible. When I can't get into the shade at all and even when the sun isn't that hot, I almost immediately start to feel sick. My skin burns, I feel faint and the effects of that can last for days. So be careful in the sun, just incase that's it.

Make sure you get a blood test.

Suzy x

[missymystique]

I have the same, positive ANA, rashes,night sweats, numb extremities, hair loss. But they say I don't have lupus because I don't have the other specific antibodies.

[catchie0408 in reply to missymystique]

What was your final diagnosis?

[missymystique in reply to catchie0408]

It's been more than a year and I still have no diagnosis. And my complaints only keep getting more and more.

On of the reasons why they don't diagnose me is because I don't have joint pain.

I think you shouldn't worry about it. 5% of the total population have positive ANA, and ANA can be positive due to viral infections or birth control pills or even when you have thyroid disease. There can be also false positives.

Check the official lupus criteria, the main symptoms are joint pain, sun sensitivity (so your rashes has to be caused by sun) and fever.

[catchie0408 in reply to missymystique]

I hope you feel better and find some relief soon. My rash came from the sun and only joint pain I have are mostly in my wrist. I'm going back to get more blood work done. I need to eliminate the possibility. Thank you so much for the information.

[missymystique in reply to catchie0408]

Oh I see, if that is the case, I think you should get another ANA and the sub panel ( this is important) done. Good luck and keep us informed x

[FunkyMumma]

There is also something else called Jessner's Lymphocytic Infiltrate (originally called Jessner's Disease). It's on the Lupus spectrum and makes you highly sun sensitive, and gives you wide spread rash in response to UVA light (not just sunshine). A skin biopsy is usually the chosen diagnostic tool.

[FunkyMumma]

Due to the tilt of the earth's axis, UVB is stronger in the summer - this is a shorter wavelength that burns the skin. UVA - a longer wavelength that goes deeper into the tissues and causes ageing, is stronger in Autumn and Spring. I hope I have remembered this correctly. Dermatologist told me this as I still get a rash in winter. Sunblock best defence. Check whether you are sensitive to parabens - no nice stuff they put in sunblocks. Get a parabens-free one, and find a tinted sunblock if you don't like the Geisha look

[Bellaflowe in reply to FunkyMumma]

I didn't know any of this, so thank you. I'm very sun sensitive so this will help me to be even more vigilant! X