Rash

[Sumdy]

Hi everyone. Hope you're doing ok. Have recently started triple therapy (methotrexate, hydroxychloroquine and sulphasalazine) and have developed a rash. I've left a message with the rheumy nurse but was wondering if anyone here has had this problem. I've taken antihistamine and applied copious amounts of moisturiser.

[Paula-C]

I get a rash on the tops of my legs, well it's more like hives. I was referred to a dermatologist and was diagnosed with urticaria, it's something that I've just got to live with, think it's connected to RA.

On saying that any rash should be investigated. I remember that I once read that hydrox. can cause skin problems. Hope you get some answers soon. x

[Sumdy in reply to Paula-C]

Thank you Paula-C

[Deniseelk]

I started Hydroxychloroquine first and found after being on it for 2 weeks I had a few days days of what I would describe as a hive type rash. It would appear mainly on my face mid morning and last a few hours then fade.

I would possibly also comment that when it happened I was probably slightly warmer... first time I had just finished my hour physio session ( on wrist) so not sure if that had an effect too.

I decided I would contact Rheumatologist if I had it for 4 or 5 days but it passed on day 3... no further issues.

Could it just be your body adapting and accepting the new meds?

Take pictures and diary any pattern / time of day/ new shower gel etc and don’t hesitate to call your Rheumatoid team.

[Sumdy in reply to Deniseelk]

Thank you for taking the time to reply Deniseelk. Nothing new in my life except the new meds. This is 4th day of rash I think. Really hoping that it settles as I think the triple therapy may be working. Will wait to hear what rheumy nurse says when she phones back. Have a good one 🙂

[oldtimer]

I had an allergic rash (urticaria) with both sulphasalazine and hydroxychloroquine (separately). Check with your medical team.

[Sumdy in reply to oldtimer]

Thank you oldtimer. Waiting on rheumy nurse getting back to me. Did your rash go away? Did you stay on meds?

[oldtimer]

both stopped.

[Sumdy in reply to oldtimer]

👍

[Sumdy]

Thank you. Good to know it can clear up 🙂

[Hidden]

I use that for my Rheumatoid Vasculitis Ajay.

[Hidden]

I was on Hydroxy (by itself) - didn’t develop a rash, but did develop severe itching, and eventually had to stop taking it.

[Sumdy in reply to Hidden]

Really hoping it's short term YanniBaci as even though it's early days, it does seem to be helping. Fingers crossed. Wishing you well 🙂

[Sumdy]

I use Hydromol Ointment which is probably the same sort of thing?

[helixhelix]

When I started on triple therapy I became hugely sun sensitive, and the slightest exposure brought me out in a rash. And I blistered if too much sun. This did slowly calm down, although I remained pretty sensitive. Then when I stopped sulphasalazine in calmed down further. So it could be a temporary thing, but even so talk to your medical team.

[Sumdy in reply to helixhelix]

Thank you Helix but it can't be anything to do with the sun. I'm in Scotland and where the rash is....all covered. 8 degrees just now even though sun is shining! But like you say hopefully a temporary thing. Still waiting on rheumy nurse getting back to me. Hope all well with yourself 🙂

[helixhelix in reply to Sumdy]

Well you do sometimes get sun in Scotland..... 😀. Hope you hear back tomorrow .

[Hidden]

After being on MTX and HCQ for 3 months, my consultant added SSZ. No rash, but I got tinnitus after a month. Stopped SSZ and got slight improvement. Stopped HCQ a month ago. Still have tinnitus. Hope your rash goes away.

My philosophy is that I care more about my welfare than even the kindest of medical staff (and mine are super-kind), so it's up to me to tell them if there's something I can't tolerate. My consultant is always telling me there are plenty of other drugs, so don't put up with something that is adding to your suffering.

[Sumdy in reply to Hidden]

Thank you Bacharia. I have had tinnitus for many years long before RA diagnoses and meds. Can't say that it's getting any worse. The rash I feel I could put up with if I knew it would go away before too long especially as the meds seem to be helping. Will wait and see what rheumy nurse says. Hope you're having a good one

[Hidden]

I always get mine on prescription as I use it as a soap replacement.

[Sumdy in reply to Hidden]

Me too. Wonderful stuff.....🙂

[Hidden]

You're right. In the end, we have to decide which bad bits we can tolerate in return for the good bits. Can't win all aspects. Onward and upward!

[Virg69]

Funny you should say that as I am on the same drugs and I have developed a rash on my chest that is very itchy and won’t go away

[Sumdy in reply to Virg69]

Rheumy nurse got back to me and is going for have a word with consultant. I'll post what he says Virg69

[Virg69 in reply to Sumdy]

Cheers