dark red blotches on lower legs

[monroeglen]

I started on prednisone (20 mg) on Sept 5, 2021. Bruising on my arms and legs had been a problem (sun damage) even before beginning my treatment for PMR but after 6 months my lower legs have developed quarter size red blotches that look like a vein exploded under my skin. It is not a rash nor is my leg swollen or sore. My dose of prednisone is down to 5mg but the red spots continue to appear. Has anyone experienced this symptom?

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Very common, due to the steroids… just keep legs protected as much as you can and use an emollient-

medicalnewstoday.com/articl...

healthline.com/health/emoll...

[piglette]

I get red blotches on my arms of various sizes. They tend to go away in around a couple of weeks or so.

[Bridge31]

My legs and arms are a complete mess with them. I have huge ones on my shins that never go away. The worst one is about 5” x 3” and looks like a map of Australia but on its side. Includes Tasmania as well 🙈

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Bridge31]

🤣😂

[91066Jackson]

Yes, I have lower legs that look like a war zone! They’ve been full of dark-red blotches for the past few months. My PMR flared up again last September. My rheumy put me on 60 mg and I am now tapering at 20 mg. Hang in there! Good luck to both of us.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to 91066Jackson]

60mg? - that’s mighty high - was GCA suspected at that time?

[91066Jackson in reply to DorsetLady]

Yes, I had sore spots all over my scalp, which disappeared after a couple of weeks on Prednisone; at 20 mg I have had one day of headaches, specifically at both temples which really frightened me. It feels like GCA is lurking, just waiting to attack me! Nice to know you and others are out there! Thanks for your response.