Skin rashes on Pred

[Seraphina56]

Hi. Do you think I need to worry about these patches of petechia I keep getting on my forearms? I guess it’s due to the Pred. It goes in a week and doesn’t seem to be due to any injury that I remember. I had to start a new post for this so I could put up a photo or I’d have used an existing thread, sorry.

[Theziggy]

I have red marks on my forearms - got a blood test for it last week but no results yet. I am inclined to put it down to Pred. Unlike you, mine doesn't go!

[SheffieldJane]

It looks like the bruising and damage we are prone to with Pred. You look quite tanned too, we are prone to sun damage as well and burn easily. It might help to get some sun block on. Certainly a good plain base cream at all times.

[Hidden]

The markings are clustered but look like pred bruises but you can always ask Dr. Some do video conferencing. I agree with sheffieldjane, coverup in the sun after you have had 20 to 30mjns vitd and lots moisturiser. Do you wear earrings to sleep?

[Seraphina56 in reply to Hidden]

Interesting question but no I don’t wear earrings when I’m asleep.

[Hidden in reply to Seraphina56]

Just the top ones look like pressed against a shape. I wondered if you slept with that arm under your face and had caught it on earrings. It looks like a number 🧐.🤔

[Seraphina56 in reply to Hidden]

Good advice. I am naturally olive skinned but have been doing a lot of gardening lately.

[Koalajane]

I get them too, mainly when I am putting my rucksack on to go for a walk as the straps rub against my arm while I am doing it. It doesn’t have to be from an injury as even a small knock can cause it

[PMRpro Ambassador]

PMR/pred related - no need to apologise!

Those look like purpurae - larger than petechiae - and the pattern suggests your scraped your wrist on something. I took an item out of its cardboard box last week and got a PROPER scratch and didn't even notice doing it! Usually it is purpurae. When mine heal they leave a light brown patch which is easier to damage again but over time they fade to a pale freckly. As Koalajane says - just a strap rubbing your arm can be enough.

They are due to the capillaries in the skin being extra fragile due to pred.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Pred most definitely- I had some pretty horrendous ones early days on high doses. Still get occasional one nowadays despite being off a Pred for over 3 years - but that’s probably due to age - both combine to make skin thinner and less resilient.

[piglette]

I have been having similar for the last four years. I think I can even beat you on what they looked like, a fight with the cat normally, but occasionally a wild animal.

[YuliK]

Aspirin and blood thinner medications can cause these marks.

[Seraphina56]

I’m not on either of those. But thanks.

[Hidden]

Looks exactly like my forearms since PMR and pred. Disappears in one place after about 2-3 weeks, pops up in another. Can come from bump or scrape or nothing. Sorry, par for the course. My best.