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What Causes Itchy Rash On Right Leg?
Question: Hi. I have a very itchy rash on my right leg that I thought started with bug bites (though I never saw or felt anything bite me). It has been a week now and it is slightly better, but would like an idea of what it is. I am 54, wheelchair bound but XXXXXXX with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis and have never had anything like this. It started with my right ankle being sore (like I had when I could walk and walked down a ramp), then next night the outside of my lower leg hurt when it touched the mattress, then the next night the front and side of my shin ached horribly, then the next day I had a small red itchy rash below my knee, which has since spread to about 3" wide by 8" long above the ankle but below the knee. Now I have a small spot on my left leg which started the size of a dime and today is about 2" not round but more oblong (taller than wide). The aching and "zing" when I put my leg down in the morning is almost gone. I have slight swelling above the ankle which is less in the morning. I am finding that Noxzema is helping with the itch. Oh, and for days the rash was bright red but seems to be slowly getting lighter. The rash is not solid, but patchy (though fairly solid). My friend thought she say bug bites but the symptoms match nothing I find on the internet. I had a slight fever one night (100.9) that went away the same night. I feel fine in all other respects.
More info.
I have no known food allergies, and am not taking any new supplements. My current supplements are: 1000 mg Flax Oil + 1000 mg Vit D3 (with breakfast), Alive 50+ energy multivitamin (with lunch), 440 mg Horsetail capsule + 400 mg Magnesium + Celery Seed Extract (every other day) with supper.
More info.
I have no known food allergies, and am not taking any new supplements. My current supplements are: 1000 mg Flax Oil + 1000 mg Vit D3 (with breakfast), Alive 50+ energy multivitamin (with lunch), 440 mg Horsetail capsule + 400 mg Magnesium + Celery Seed Extract (every other day) with supper.
Brief Answer:
Rash likely due to juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thank you for the query.I am Dr Bharatesh D Basti answering your query.
As you have been diagnosed with Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis there are some rashes which tend to appear in such patients either due to immunological role.
They usually tend to occur on trunks or limbs.
They may be precipitated by trauma.
They may be associated with fevers
They indicate usually the systemic involvement
They are immunological
They usually respond less to treatment and disappears with treatment for JRA.
You can continue with topical treatment you are happy with it has moisturizer with peeling agents. You can use antihistamines for itching.
What is the therapy you are on for JRA?
Please send photos of the rash and other details of treatment and reports.
I will try to help you
Thank you
Dr Bharatesh D Basti
Rash likely due to juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thank you for the query.I am Dr Bharatesh D Basti answering your query.
As you have been diagnosed with Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis there are some rashes which tend to appear in such patients either due to immunological role.
They usually tend to occur on trunks or limbs.
They may be precipitated by trauma.
They may be associated with fevers
They indicate usually the systemic involvement
They are immunological
They usually respond less to treatment and disappears with treatment for JRA.
You can continue with topical treatment you are happy with it has moisturizer with peeling agents. You can use antihistamines for itching.
What is the therapy you are on for JRA?
Please send photos of the rash and other details of treatment and reports.
I will try to help you
Thank you
Dr Bharatesh D Basti
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
Hi, I sent 2 photos of the rash. It is non systemic (was only on one leg for a week, until yesterday a small rash started on other leg). I am 54 years old and have had juvenile RA since age 4 and have NEVER had a rash like this. Washing and scrubbing it did not make it itchier, but helped. Warm water did not make it itchier. I take NO medications for RA. Celery Seed Extract handles the achiness of RA. See notes re: supplements I take. I definitely do NOT feel it is RA related, but may be an allergic reaction to something. Last year (April) I was hospitalized with a respiratory infection which may have been caused by mold in the air, but I am fully recovered from that now. Any other thoughts? I do not feel there is any infection involved (what would be the signs?) but is hopefully just an annoying rash due to ????? Please re-evaluate and ask any other questions. I know the cause of rashes cannot always be determined. Do you see any possibility that it has been caused by insect bites? Or just an allergic reaction to something?
Brief Answer:
May not be due to insect bite .
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thank you for follow up query.
Sorry i could not get access to the photos and supplements information earlier.
I could go through it in detail.As you know that it is difficult to asses the cause of purpuric type of rash.
I could derive these information:
These are purpuric rashes.
these may be due to:
1.Insect bite allergies which you are suspecting in your case. I think it is progressing as it appeared in left after 1 week .so it may be unlikely to progress with a single bite.
2.any vascular allergies due to drugs or microbe infection is possible
i .Celery seeds and flax seed which you or on are known to increase risk of bleeding i.e may cause purpuric rashes.
if the allergen is exposed continuously rashes continue to progress.this may be a possibility which can be thought of.
If you suspect any other drug it may be likely.
ii infections can also precipitate purpuras as fever is an accompanying symptom.
3.Senile purpura or purpura in rheumatoid arthritis can also occur similarly.
4.Purpuric rashes in JRA also can occur similarly with fever symptoms also but is usually common in children.
Some investigations may help in giving clue like complete hemogram,with bleeding time ,clotting time etc.
Hope these will help you
please get back if you need any clarifications else you can close the discussions.
Thank you
Dr Bharatesh
May not be due to insect bite .
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thank you for follow up query.
Sorry i could not get access to the photos and supplements information earlier.
I could go through it in detail.As you know that it is difficult to asses the cause of purpuric type of rash.
I could derive these information:
These are purpuric rashes.
these may be due to:
1.Insect bite allergies which you are suspecting in your case. I think it is progressing as it appeared in left after 1 week .so it may be unlikely to progress with a single bite.
2.any vascular allergies due to drugs or microbe infection is possible
i .Celery seeds and flax seed which you or on are known to increase risk of bleeding i.e may cause purpuric rashes.
if the allergen is exposed continuously rashes continue to progress.this may be a possibility which can be thought of.
If you suspect any other drug it may be likely.
ii infections can also precipitate purpuras as fever is an accompanying symptom.
3.Senile purpura or purpura in rheumatoid arthritis can also occur similarly.
4.Purpuric rashes in JRA also can occur similarly with fever symptoms also but is usually common in children.
Some investigations may help in giving clue like complete hemogram,with bleeding time ,clotting time etc.
Hope these will help you
please get back if you need any clarifications else you can close the discussions.
Thank you
Dr Bharatesh
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. Vinay Bhardwaj
Answered by
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