Red rashes on arms, legs. Using creams, no relief. Lupus symptoms?
Patient: Hi,doctor. I would like to ask something for a frind of me who lives in XXXXXX. She has all arms,legs and front body, full of red and iches,fast 2 weeks already. She has used many cremes but doesn``t hele her. The doctor says allergy , but I saw the pictures that she send to me and I think is something like Lupús, do you knos this disease? Doctor: Hello, Your friend may be having an acute generalised eruption of urticaria that can take long to control if not on optimal medication. 80% of people with urticaria do NOT have allergies but respond to long-acting non-sedating antihistamines like allegra, levocet etc If the rashes leave a scar, bruise then a separate condition called urticarial vasculitis may be the problem for which a skin biopsy with special stains will be required. You should ask your friend to see a Dermatologist right away. Lupus has several menifestations like photosensitive rash on face, arms and legs (exposed to sun), but also with arthraligia, arthritis, serositis, blood changes, immunological abnormalities (like positive ANA test) and several other systems may be affected. So it is very early to tell unless at least 4 of 11 criteria are fulfilled to be labelled as lupus. Thanks.