Rheumatoid arthritis/Vasculitis

[Bingo2004]

Hi,Suffered with RA since the age of 38 and am now 50 years old.class myself as moderate but can be very severe in flare ups.Tried various treatments over the years but have been on sulfrasaline for the last 10 years with no side effects.Recently developed what I would describe as a nerve pain in the back of my left leg for a couple of days.I then developed a bright red rash on my ankle of the same leg and it became swollen and painful.Attended my local A and E who diagnosed vasculitis and gave me a course of anti biotics which I am mid way through taking.Rash has improved a lot.While all of this was going on I just happened to be having a really bad flare up in my left arm.Was in a lot of pain despite medication and could not move my arm at all.Could this rash be related to my RA or my flare up?Has anyone experienced the same thing or have any information to offer?Thank you.Vanessa.x

[oldtimer2]

There's information about vasculitis on the NRAS website: nras.org.uk/resource/rheuma...

The two conditions can be associated and from observation and experience I think it is commoner in mild cases than is generally recognised.

If it's any consolation I had a nasty attack several years ago (well,that's what they said it was) with an inflammed area on the top of my foot spreading up the leg. Treated with antibiotics and it just got better - not had it since. I looked it up at the time (and that worried me), so don't read too much into one episode.

[patrickd]

Hi there! Sorry about your recent flare-up! I am going through a bad one too. I do not get what I would call a rash (at least I never considered that to be such). The area I flare up in is usually RED, hot to the touch, and swollen. Your question did cause me to pause and reflect a bit though! A rash wouldn't surprise me given RA is an attack of the immune system so I would think having a rash wouldn't be considered unusual having any type of immune disorder. Skin rashes can occur from a variety of factors, including infections, heat, allergens, immune system disorders and medications.