Red rash on leg

[HSV21]

Hi all. I know high phosphorus levels can cause itchy skin, which I have. My phosphorus last month was slightly above normal. My Nephrologist was not concerned. However, even before that I started getting a rash on my right leg. It has since grown to cover the top and back side of thigh and is no going down my calf. It causes my leg to swell as well. Could this be an allergic reaction to phos? The only med that changed was I started Ozempic, but the initial rash showed up before that, in Sept. Just wondering if anyone else has had such an experience. My new lab results should come this week. I am Stage 4 (GFR 18) and diabetic.

[Sophiebun11]

Hi,

If it's only one leg it seems not as likely to be an allergy. You could have cellulitis or something like that since you have swelling.

Is your PCP or Neph treating your rash with antibiotics or steroids (either oral or topical)?

See if you can get a referral to a Dermatologist if you aren't getting any answers. Rashes can be annoying especially if they itch and swell. I've had cellulitis several times from a tiny nick. It doesn't take much to get cellulitis with a weakened system from CKD. I hpe it's resolved soon.

🐇

[HSV21 in reply to Sophiebun11]

Antibiotics ordered but was told only take them if it looks infected. Dermatologist is next. Could be cellulitis from my lymphedema in that spot. Had not thought of that.

[Sophiebun11 in reply to HSV21]

I didn't realize you had lymphedema. Definitely makes it more serious..

Please let us know how you're doing.

[CardinalBird]

I had a horrific rash down my left leg from knee to ankle. It was so bad, it was scary looking. It has lightened up a bit from creams, oils and ointments but it’s been there for 2 years. I’ve seen dermatologist, rheumatologist, primary and nephrologist. No one actually knew what it was. I think they mostly went with psoriatic arthritis. Wish I could be more positive and I totally hope yours improves quickly.

[KidneyCoach NKF Ambassador]

Sounds like cellulitis but only physician can diagnose. Don't put off getting to the doctor. Cellulitis can be dangerous for some. Blessings

[Sophiebun11 in reply to KidneyCoach]

That is very true. I had a red rash on my shoulder over the summer. First they said spider bite, then tick. Nope. Then finally cellulitis. I was on antibiotics and Prednisone immediately so the treatment didn't change but then the cellulitis stopped being only on the shoulder and neck and became systemic. Temp of 104 and sick as a dog for 3 weeks. I don't ever want that again. The joys of an autoimmune disease, you can't fight off anything. I think I felt worse then than when I had COVID in 2020 except for bronchitis with covid I didn't have with cellulitis.

Your advice was spot on.

🐇

[HSV21]

Thank you all. I am calling my doctor tomorrow to suggest cellulitis and see what she thinks.