Lupus Support Group

I'm currently 19 year old male living in Canada. I have been diagnosed with SLE Lupus at the age of 18. About a year ago after taking some percocet for the pain a rash appeared on my hands only near the finger joints (knuckles) and my elbows but nowhere else. It was red and very itchy and swelled up quite a bit. It also appeared after I took some prednisone a few months ago and after I tapered off it. I was wondering if anybody else has had this sort of rash or know anything about it?

Thanks for reading,

Darcy.

Hey Man –

I do get rashes but I can’t say that I have ever gotten a rash from any narcotics and certainly not prednisone. For me, at least 5 months out of the year three quarters of my skin is covered in a rash and at this point I just complain the first couple days and then live with it. For instance, I’ve had a rash on my chest, back, arms, and face since February. It’s finally almost gone. I just looked today for the first time in months. LOL

I’m 45 years old so I guess it would be easier for me, I’m not trying to impress the chicks anymore. I’m sure it’s not much fun for you.

Ray

Welcome to the group! Sorry to hear about your problem with rashes. Like Ray said, I have never gotten rashes while I'm on prednisone or from narcotics. When I get rashes they are usually on my face and neck/scalp. Do you have a dermatologist? If not, it might be a good idea to see one in addition to your rheumy. Seems us lupies always end up with all kind of specialists! At last count, I have 8 doctors I do believe. There are creams that might help the rash too. I hope you keep us posted! Best of luck and take care!

Amy

Hi and welcome to the group. Sorry you are having a problem with rashes. The fact that they at joints seem to point to an AI problem, but that is just a guess on my part. I hope you visit often.

Alison

Post edited by: redhairali, at: 08/05/2011 01:56 PM

Hi Darcy....welcome to this fantastic support site....there are many wonderful, caring and compassionate members here. I get a rash every now and than...sometimes it starts off as a disc shapped rash and is scaly which is what discoid rash looks like than sometimes I get a red rash that looks like a sunburn on my face and arms and hands....I think mine just comes from sun, and lights....even low lights if they are on too long and are hitting me in certain places like my arms. This rash for me usually will last for a couple of days. I sure hope that this is taken care of for you. Anytime you need to chat please feel free to post often.

Eva

HI Darcy and welcome to the group. Perhaps you are describing swelling of the finger joints more than the rash. Have you shown this finger swelling to your rheumatologist? I recall that an infection of the heart by group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus could cause nodules/swelling of the joints in the hands, and your doctors could rule this out by looking at your scans and blood works (chest X-ray, echocardiogram, EKG, blood tests such as CRP, cardiac enzymes.... etc...). But lupus causes swelling of the joints, and your rheumy could diagnose this to provide treatment from looking at the hand X-ray and your autoimmune panel. I hope this helps, and good luck. Marie

Yea the Dermatologist has me on Betamethasone (steroid cream) which helps. I was just confused why it was because of the medication(s) as the doctors could not give me an answer. I know it's not a allergic reaction.

Hi Darcy, Welcome to group. I know that we all get rashes at some point. I am fortunate that I haven't had to many recently. I think our skin is just really sensitive to our environments because of the Lupus. So it may be that you don't have an exact reason for the rash. Is the rash itchy at all?

April

The rash has only appeared after taking the prednisone and percocet, which makes me think that when I try to suppress my immune system to relieve some pain it gets weak and then the rash/infection comes in. Yes it itches, very red, very hot. and swells in tiny circles and clumps. I see my Rheumy on Thursday next week, I'm going to take it up with her again then, she doesn't tell me much I feel so out of the loop. Also hard when some doctors don't want to listen to your personal opinion.

Hi Darcy! My name is Bryan and I am also a Canadian. Welcome to the Group. Sorry to hear that you were diagnosed at such a young age. I was also d/x'ed as a teen and have now been living with SLE/Lupus for 25 years. I feel your frustration when it comes to dealing with doctors in the Canadian Health Care System...but get used to it my friend. I am still seeking competent doctors after 25 years of going down the path that you have just started on. If there is ANYTHING I can do to help you or ANY questions you may have about living with Lupus, please feel free to PM (private message) me and we will talk. Hang in there kiddo! It may not be as bad as you think. Take care! Little Brother Lupus, Bryan

Post edited by: J3man, at: 08/06/2011 05:38 AM