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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Is Itchy Red Rash In An Elderly Person Sign Of Immune System Disease?

My 83 year old mother-in-law has been feeling weaker and weaker for the past three weeks. She usually is quite active and has been feeling well. She broke out in an itchy, red rash. She was checked for bug bites (bed bugs, fleas, etc.) - negative. The doctor ran a complete blood panel (lyme, leukemia) - all negative. She is scheduled to see a neurologist on Tuesday. I was wondering if this could be a symptom of an immune system disease.
Sat, 28 Nov 2015
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Pathologist and Microbiologist,  's  Response
Hello and welcome to HCM,
Development of red, itchy rash is commonly due to allergy, bug bite or primary condition like dermatitis or eczema.
You have already consulted a doctor for clinical assessment but, I would advise you to consult a dermatologist or skin specialist for clinical assessment to rule out primary skin lesion.
An itchy red rash could also be a manifestation of some other disorder.
There are many systemic disorders which present with skin lesions, however, I believe that your doctor has done few tests to rule out systemic disorder also.
Cholestatis or accumulation of bile salts in blood also causes itching so liver function tests should also be performed.
If liver function tests are also found to be normal then it is best to manage the rash symptomatically to relieve the itchiness.
But a red itchy rash is not an indication of weak immune system.
Symptomatic treatment will be most beneficial at the moment.
In case there is development of similar lesions or any other problem, consult your primary healthcare provider.

Thanks and take care
Dr Shailja Puri
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Is Itchy Red Rash In An Elderly Person Sign Of Immune System Disease?

Hello and welcome to HCM, Development of red, itchy rash is commonly due to allergy, bug bite or primary condition like dermatitis or eczema. You have already consulted a doctor for clinical assessment but, I would advise you to consult a dermatologist or skin specialist for clinical assessment to rule out primary skin lesion. An itchy red rash could also be a manifestation of some other disorder. There are many systemic disorders which present with skin lesions, however, I believe that your doctor has done few tests to rule out systemic disorder also. Cholestatis or accumulation of bile salts in blood also causes itching so liver function tests should also be performed. If liver function tests are also found to be normal then it is best to manage the rash symptomatically to relieve the itchiness. But a red itchy rash is not an indication of weak immune system. Symptomatic treatment will be most beneficial at the moment. In case there is development of similar lesions or any other problem, consult your primary healthcare provider. Thanks and take care Dr Shailja Puri