Rashes spreading from the arm to shoulder. No pain. Is it Addison's disease?
Patient: Hi...my name is Betsy. About...I want to say...5 years ago...I developed this odd rash on the inside of my upper arm...close to my underarm . It happened while I was at the beach. It went away...and I don t know if its linked or not...but I started to see bruise spots there. And then on the other side of my upper arm to the shoulder area. It spread to my upper thighs...and now I have them on my stomach . Some are big...some are small. I have had them for about 4 years I wanna say...and I am still starting to see more. I found 3 more. I have done blood work and they say that everything is fine. They do not hurt at all. I have been researching off and on and found Addison s Disease...but I am not too sure. Has anyone seen this? Doctor: hi Betsy..Thanks for your query. Addison’s disease  is a rare and  chronic endocrine disorder in which the adrenal glands do not produce sufficient steroid hormones.The most common symptoms are fatigue, light headedness upon standing, muscle weakness, fever, weight loss etc.as of skin changes, hyper pigmentation is noted in sun-exposed areas, as well as darkening of the palmar creases, sites of friction, recent scars, the vermilion border of the lips, and genital skin.Are you noting any of these?The skin changes you have mentioned , do not point towards the above and i don't think that can be the only basis of the suspicion of addison's disease. However, you have not described the 'odd' rash you are having .But since it is a chronic disorder persisting since 4 years , it is necessary you visit a dermatologist and undergo a biopsy to know the exact nature of the eruptions. Hope this helps..Take care!