Hi. I’ve been on hydroxychloroquine for 2 weeks (400mg a day). This weekend I’ve developed a red symmetrical rash on the same parts of both feet (top) and both elbows. Patch’s of red raised skin with a defined edge and itchy.
I’m wondering if it’s a reaction to the hydroxychloroquine or something else? Perhaps psoriatic arthritis rather than rheumatoid? I’ve never had psoriasis in the past.
Any thoughts anyone??
You need a diagnosis. Very difficult to do except by examination! I would contact your GP in the first place who can see it and advise.
I had this and it just dried up and went away - never came back.
You need to see the doctor although I can make you laugh I though the same thing with a load of raised red bumps on my forearms. I worried for days about them, then put on my blue cardigan and realised the bumps linedup with the pattern of the arms on my cardigan. Bumps were sunburn marks. I'm an idiot really. lol xxx
I shouldn't laugh but that did raise a chuckle, medway-lady! 😃 As someone who's always coming out in bumps, rashes, red blotches and the like, I do sympathise!
Bless you Medway
Could you contact your rheumy nurse ?
I had an allergic reaction to hydroxy which was a raised itchy rash . Do had to come off it.
Definitely speak to your rheumy team. X
I had a rash that would appear mid morning across my cheeks about a month after starting Hydroxychloroquine. It only lasted about 20 mins and happened about 3 days in a row then never happened again. I always take the view of watch and observe and give yourself a deadline of xxx days before I contact rheumatoid team. Do take photos as always great to help your Rheumatologist! Hope it all clears soon.
I spoke to my rheumatologist today after sending him a photograph and he was of the opinion that it was psoriasis which can in rare cases be brought on by hydroxychloroquine. He said wait a few days to see how it goes but if it gets any worse to stop taking.
Wow really? Not heard of that. Fingers crossed it goes away 🤞🤞
Yes. I am on Hydroxychloroquine long term. I was prescribed it because I have Pulmonary Fibrosis. It is one of the side effects COVID19 can leave you with. I did not have Covid. Nor did many people who have Lupus or RA, but are also prescribed this drug. It has helped me in a number of ways, but I did read up about the side effects and started taking Bio-Marine Collagen a week after I noticed my skin itching, especially my hands and feet. I have had small outbreaks on the feet, but then I treat it with a cream. I also noticed when starting to take Hydroxychloroquine my eyes were very irritated. I am using drops for that now. The benefits of taking this medication far outweigh the inconveniences for me. Its no joke struggling for breath. I think people who are taking this drug are afraid that there might be shortages. The medical fraternity are still prescribing it to people suffering from PF although very quietly. I am so glad I am one of those people. I do hope you get well and find the medication that suits you sp22.
I have exactly the same thing. Dark red splotches on top of my feet and red bumps on my elbows. Have tried 3 different creams for psoriasis, ringworm, cortisone, nothing helps. I also take hydroxychloriquine and never equated the 2! Am waiting an appt with a dermatologist but now I’m wondering if I should see rheumatologist instead. Have you found anything else out?
This thread is very old so you might not get a response. Maybe try starting a new thread to see if anyone has experience of this?
Oh I see that now. Thank you!
FYI — I just commented with a similar situation that has happened to me just 1 day ago,
I was recently diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis and was prescribed Hydroxychloroquine in lieu of Methotrexate, as my sister (who has RA) had issues with liver enzymes being too high on Methotrexate. I was prescribed 200 mg 2x/day and started with a low dose of 200 1x/day for 4 days and on the 5th day I took the full 400mg dose — 12 hours later, I developed an itchy, raised, some splotchy and some welt looking rash over my forearms & elbows initially. It later spread to my chest, thighs & lower legs in patches over a 24 hour period. I immediately stopped the Hydroxychloroquine and am waiting out the weekend to contact my rheumy.
Thank you for posting. I had just not connected the two. Going to call for an appt with my rheumatologist, rather than a dermatologist!
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