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Developed Red Patterns On Things, Knees And Upper Arm. Diagnosed With MCDT. Taking Plaqunil And Methotrexate. Burning Sensation Normal?
Question: I was diagnosed with MCDT about 5 years ago - I take plaqunil and methotrexate - have in the past 6 months developed a red, XXXXXXX pattern on my thighs, knees, and upper arms. My knees feel very tight and the redness of the skin on my knees is solid, not XXXXXXX - the color turns almost purple when I am on my feet a lot, and my knees feel burny - Researching online I found livedo reticularis, which sounds like what is happening - my question is, is the burning sensation of my knees normal for livedo ret.? I have not read anything about the condition being painful. Thanks for your help!
Hi
Thanks for your query.
Having gone through the description of what is happening in your case, I am of the view that there is no doubt that you have developed livedo reticularis.
Now this is basically an asymptomatic skin condition. But the issue in your case is the associated pain.
Pain and thickening of the skin which is occurring in your case is actually quite unusual in patients with livedo.
So my advise is that you should see your treating physician or a local dermatologist as you might need to get a skin biopsy done in order to confirm the diagnosis.
See there are two things that are coming to my mind. One is that you might be progressing towards livedoid vasculitis . This type of vasculitis is common in patient with connective tissue diseases. This can be the reason of the associated pain.
The second possibility for your presentation can be lesions of lupus developing on your skin.
It is sometimes very difficult to differentiate these two conditions only on clinical examination, hence the need for a skin biopsy.
Treatment however is almost the same as for mixed connective tissue disease.
Any other query, please let me know.
Dr Geetika Paul
Thanks for your query.
Having gone through the description of what is happening in your case, I am of the view that there is no doubt that you have developed livedo reticularis.
Now this is basically an asymptomatic skin condition. But the issue in your case is the associated pain.
Pain and thickening of the skin which is occurring in your case is actually quite unusual in patients with livedo.
So my advise is that you should see your treating physician or a local dermatologist as you might need to get a skin biopsy done in order to confirm the diagnosis.
See there are two things that are coming to my mind. One is that you might be progressing towards livedoid vasculitis . This type of vasculitis is common in patient with connective tissue diseases. This can be the reason of the associated pain.
The second possibility for your presentation can be lesions of lupus developing on your skin.
It is sometimes very difficult to differentiate these two conditions only on clinical examination, hence the need for a skin biopsy.
Treatment however is almost the same as for mixed connective tissue disease.
Any other query, please let me know.
Dr Geetika Paul
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
Thank you for your advice - my rheum. Was not concerned about the XXXXXXX pattern on my skin and said that I most likely had "wash woman knees" - told me not to kneel and to ice my knees. I will make an apt. With my dermatologist. Have a blessed day, and thanks again.
You are most welcome.
Hope the information provided helped.
Dr Geetika XXXXXXX
Hope the information provided helped.
Dr Geetika XXXXXXX
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
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