Has anyone developed Vasculitis affecting the skin,after PMR and GCA?

[hege]

[polkadotcom]

Can you give us a bit more detail, Hege? There's more than one type of vasculitis and while I think many of us may have had skin problems due to the steroids, I don't think that's quite what you mean.

[hege]

Vasculitis in the skin causes a rash of spots mainly on lower legs.

[Celtic PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Hege, I developed a rash and inflamed skin on the bottom of my legs a few months ago and it has been diagnosed as varicose eczema. I have had both PMR and GCA but because the rash appeared shortly after commencing medication for high blood pressure it has been put down to that.

[venezia1 in reply to Celtic]

Hi Celtic - was looking through old posts and found yours re varicose eczema, which I think I have - what medication were you given for it, please?

venezia1

[Celtic PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to venezia1]

Hi venezia - I wasn't prescribed anything but just taken off the BP pills thought to be the cause. After some weeks the rash disappeared and the skin has been left slightly tanned looking in that area, as the GP suggested would happen. I do hope your's isn't too troublesome.

[venezia1 in reply to Celtic]

Thanks, celtic. Have had mine a good few months and GP prescribed Humirol as a moisturiser, but it seems to be getting worse. Apparently surgery to relieve the condition, which can be caused by varicose veins, is the only permanent solution but I'm reluctant to go down that path - I think mine has more to do with water retention.

No magic cure, then!

venezia1

[Celtic PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to venezia1]

Hello again venezia

Snap! with the varicose veins. However, now that you mention water retention as being a possible cause of your rash, that is exactly what preceded my varicose eczema - very swollen ankles and feet, again caused by the new blood pressure medication. Have you tried eliminating salt from your diet and eating lots of known diuretic-type foods, such as asparagus, celery etc - that might help with the water retention?

[venezia1 in reply to Celtic]

Hi again - I'm also on Furosemide for fluid retention - effective but a nuisance approx three hours after taking - I usually have to "go" two or three times over an hour..unfortunately, although my ankles have reappeared, the skin problem is still thereand doesn't seem to improve. I'm hoping that frequent sea swimmimg in Greece in May might fix it!

I grow my own asparagus but not in sufficient quantity to make much difference, i think. But will try to cut down on salt - thanks.

v

[hege]

Thank you Celtic.....I wish that my rash was varicose eczema,I have been taking medication for high blood pressure for years,but I will mention it to the doctor.