Hi ,I was on methotrexate for about six months. My new rheumatologist took me off it a month ago and is treating mr with pred only
I developed a rash around my neck and upper chest area which varies from slightly red to very red and angry depending on the weather or heat at any particular time. My research indicated this was a side effect of the methotrexate which I had hoped would subside once I stopped taking it but unfortunately the condition has remained the same.
I have treated it with corticosteroid cream and antihistamines on the advice of my pharmacist but this had no effect. I apply suncream to the area also but has minimal impact.
Has anyone else experienced this side effect and found a treatment for it.
Thanks in advance.
Written by
MarkC1971
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I also had it mildly with pred alone. Methotrexate may have intensified the pred effect to allow it to develop initially - that is an adverse effect of using MTX with pred, it doesn't just increase pred's antiinflammatory effect, potentially it increases ALL pred effects.
I found it better to cover it rather than add any creams which seemed to make it worse.
Have you asked the doctor rather than just the pharmacist? Could it be rosacea? It can be very resistent to management.
Hi MarcC1971 so sorry to hear you too are experiencing this unpleasant side effect.I only took 2 dosis of Methatrexate was so unwell and was told by the pharmacist that I was experiencing Methatrexate toxicity, my rheumy insisted I continue taking it, this was after just the first dose of 8 tabs, I stupidly relented snd agreed to only taking half tge dose, same reaction so stopped it, very miffed rheumy told me when I went back for an appointment he wont see me for 6 months and to continue decreasing pred and we will have a telephone conversation in 6 months nevermind how unwell i was with Sjorgens, when I suggested hydroxychloroquine which is the recommended meds for Sjorgens..just ignored me, so its goodbye to him i am in the process of trying to find another rheumatologist, not easy.
I have been suffering with this neck irritation which is getting, but never put the Methatrexate as the possible cause? I too have tried most things but without effect. Feeling very frustrsted that some rheumies just dont listen.
Hopefully someone has a tip for this skin condition. Take care Den
If you’re in the UK, the very hot weather we’ve had recently could be playing a part in terms of something rubbing on the area/or sweat rash? I have developed a rash just recently that looks like sunburn around my ankles and lower calves. I’ve taken the problem to my GP and he sent me for some blood tests as if it is not to do with the heat, the other possibility is vasculitis.
Hi Mark, I have been taking 15mg of Methotrexate each week for over 12 months and have not experienced the probelm with rashes as you describe.
I do not have a technical explanation, however; I have had progressive Vitiligo for about 40 years, where I have lost pigment cells from over 90% of my body therefore my skin probably reacts differently.
Whenever I go out into even a mildly sunny day, I apply factor 50 sun blocker, otherwise I get burnt and go red all over in less than 15 minutes, it is not what I would call a rash.
The interesting side effect I am experiencing that I suspect is related the Methotrexate, is that some of my lost pigment cells seem to have returned, I now have several patches of my natural skin colour on my arms, legs and torso that up until 12 months ago were completely snow white.
I have discussed this with my Rheumatologist, his words were, "I have heard it can happen but have never seen it" ?
As I have not had any other reaction to Methotrexate, my Rheumatologist has suggested an increase to 17.5mg per week starting next week, to see if it helps with the reduction of Prednisolone.
I have been following DL's 5 week Slow Taper, this is my first week of tapering from 3.5 - 3.0mg, I am not intending to change my tapering regime, but hoping that the higher dose of Methotrexate may help me avoid any flares.
Wow, just read that report, I have always been told there was no known cure for Vitiligo, that study suggest that just maybe there is, I do not expect it to dramatically change my situation at my age. It took nearly 30 years to lose it, so if it takes that long to return I will not be here !!!! but sounds hopeful for younger people 🤞🤞🤞
Thank PMRpro, that s far too much information for me to digest.
If I had known that 35 years ago I would have volunteered for any studies going on, as when I was younger I looked like Michael Crawford in Phantom of the Opera which obviously drew a lot of attention especially from young children.
My GP at the time did suggest a visit to London every 3 months for UV treatment OR wear makeup!!!! - I did neither
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