Itchy rash on sulfasalazine meds

[Lyns58]

Good morning

Just wondering if anyone has had a hive like rash when taking sulfasalazine.

[Neonkittie17]

Yes, I always did in summer/sunny months as sunlight makes a reaction to your skin when on Sulpha for many people. Even sitting at a window in indirect sunlight could do it for me and the car especially too. I had to wear long sleeves/trousers/skirt and a hat in summer and keep under shade in the sunnier hours. Sunsense was recommended to me but I found it impossible to rub in, but it may have improved. I did find Ambre Solalre clear spray F50 helped a lot. Sulpha stopped working after many good years of controlling the RA, but whilst on it the “Urticara Solaris” had to be managed. I hope you can speak to your rheumy about it.

[Mmrr]

Yes, I had a bit of a rash, followed by a wheeze when on Sulphasalazine. The rheumatologist stopped the meds and I was changed to MTX.It might be best to ask for medical advice.

[Hidden]

I have been taking sulphasalazine for about 20 years and once the warmer weather comes and I sit in the sun the rash starts on my arms and legs. I also need to limit time in the sun at the start of the warmer weather. I apply hydrocortisone cream bought over the counter for around a week or so it usually clears up. However sometimes I need a stronger prescription from my GP. I don't tend to get the rash in winter. RA tends to dry your skin . I use aqueous cream regularly and take vitamin d. Good luck.

[MorganCat]

I got dress syndrome from it and ended up in hospital . Built up over a couple of months , I ignored all the symptoms , one of which was the rash , alt went to 1556 . Each symptom I had an answer for it occurring saw that other people had similar symptoms and thought Ild just put up with it , it was expected . I would get checked out by the nurse .

[Haz58]

I'm on sulfasalazine, still building up on it and at 2 a day at mo. I rang my Rheumy nurse as I have sores each side of my mouth and a chemist said most likely folate too low. She said to take folic acid every day and sending me a blood test to check B12 and folate. BUT she also said to watch out for any rash or itch and to call straight away if it happens. So if I'd ring your Rheumy team if i were you. X

[Leics]

I developed a hive like rash whilst on ssz I spoke to my rheumy team about it and I was taken off it which for me was a shame as it was working but I developed an intolerance so it had to be stopped. I would let your rheumy team know as soon as you can.

[Orangebox]

I take this med x4 for a while now - I get hot itchy arms a bit in summer - it comes and goes. Regular moisturiser on skin helps, sun screen, ice packs when it’s really bad. Otherwise it’s ok. Worked better than MTX, and avoided biologic meds. However the best stabiliser for RA has been HRT and GPs & rheumatologists have a blind spot on this, annoying when something so simple can change your health.

[cpigget]

What are HRT's and GP's?

I had to stop Sulphasalazine due to suspected rash. I'm 5 weeks out from stopping and the rash persists. Have to wait months to see Dermatologist. it's really horrible. Rheumatologist minimizes it and her initial diagnosis was "dry skin" Not at all!! "blind spot" might be an understatement.

[KittyJ in reply to cpigget]

Hormone replacement therapy

General Practitioner

[cpigget in reply to KittyJ]

Thank you

[Central_Perk]

Hi Lyns58 (and anyone who’s reading this)

Have you found a solution to improve your skin?

I’ve also noticed I’m starting to get a rash, it’s currently mild, bumpy and skin coloured and on my face, and a bit itchy.

I’ve been on Sulfasalazine since the start of February and my skin has only recently started doing this which makes sense cos it’s started to get sunnier.

However, I thought it was appearing cos I’ve recently started increasing my dose.

I have an LED face mask so I might try that on it too.

Thank you ☀️