purpura or razor burn

[Pollyanna]

style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/coffee.gif I'm looking for some insight into purpura. I looked at pics online...and it could be what I have going on. On the other hand, I shaved my legs three days ago for the first time this winter style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/oops.gif and it could possibly just be razor burn. Who knows? The rash showed up 2 days ago on the right leg and today I noticed little teeny pinpoints of red on the left leg.

Once before this happened and the ER doc said "lupus profundus" and treated me with an antibiotic. I always doubted that, but what do I know. That was a year or more ago.

The skin is warm with generalized redness, and tender to the touch. Also scattered red bumps that are red and slightly raised. It starts just above the ankle and is spreading upwards. No "streaking" that I can see. The little red pinpoints are also in the same area, without the generalized redness.

Any ideas?? style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/crying.gif I hate to go the ER, but I called the rheumy today and got the voice mail. I think their office is closed til next week. <sigh> Oh well, hopefully ya'll will have some ideas for me!

Thanks bunches style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/flowers.gif Pollyanna

[tricia2661]

I have lupus profundus more commonly known as subacute cutaneous lupus. Have had my rash since the end of July without much relief. I have nodules under the skin, but it is just in the skin lining. There are some places on my legs that are just red and blotchy...almost looks like hives. On my arms I have areas where it is raised and feels like little pin pricks. I have several prescriptions that I use, but my rheumy told me to be careful becuse of the amount of rash I have...he said they can be toxic to your system if used too much. So now I just use them when I can't stand the itching. The thing I have found that helps a lot is the Aloe Gel that we used after sunburns. It seems to calm the itching and some of the redness. I also use Curell for dry skin and Bag Balm. Don't know if this helps or not, but thought I would respond. I know it is helpful to hear and see what other remedies work for people.

My Lupus Profundus was diagnosed with a biopsy of one of the nodules. The two biopsies that I had on my arm in the docs office were non-conclusive. Take care.

[Pollyanna]

style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/Thanx.gif style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/Thanx.gif style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/Thanx.gif Tricia

Thanks for the quick response - I can't wait to see what it will look like tomorrow. It's like a mini-mystery with new and weird symptoms every day! Take care,

Pollyanna

style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/flowers.gif

[cath]

Dear Polyanna,

Sorry to hear of your worries... style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/hugbetter.gif

It is hard to know what rashes are without seeing them, and then it is still hard to work out what they are

style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/doh.gif

Try taking a clear glass (drinking glass) and press the side of it into your leg so that you can see the rash through the glass. If they are purpura or petechiae, the spots will stay red. Most other rashes will blanche (go white).

How do you feel generally? Do you have a fever, aching joints, sore mouth, headache etc?

If the spots don't blanche with the glass test, I think it is a good idea to get them checked out sooner rather than later. If you feel at all unwell with them, I'd also get it checked out.

Nearly 2 years ago I had a simmilar sort of rash. The GP thought it was Henloch Schoenlein Purpura. I got admitted to hospital for it while they ruled out meningitis (yes it can be a serious sign!). The hospital consultant thought it was livedo reticularis and petechiae from SLE (I wasn't diagnosed then). In retrospect he was probably right, as I've had loads more episodes since.

Take care, and if in doubt, get it checked style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/clover.gif

X C X

[Christine UK]

<span style="font-family:Century Gothic"><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:100%">
I have vasculitis and yes the glass test should give u an indication.
Mine is totally under the skin...not hot to touch etc..
hope u find out what it is.</span></span>

[halfpintfl]

style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/wavey.gif Hi Polly, I have the little red pin points after I shave my legs, but I
didn't know that it had a name, I just thought it was normal for us. I
put on Jergens shave minimizing lotion after I get out of the shower, on my legs and it helps with the
redness, and the pain by the next morning.


Be well and Keep posting. style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/cool.gif

[pamsline]

Hi,
Just thought I'd mention this because it has worked for me. For as long as I've been shaving(many years) I have always gotten razor burn afterwards. I also get little itchy bumps that drive me crazy. I just happened to be in a store one day(recently) and saw an electric razor(battery operated). It was only about $30.00. I bought it and read the directions(like I don't know how to shave after all these years). Well, I at least read the part about how it takes your skin about 1 month to get used to it. Well after a month, I love it. I never itch anymore. I have no rashes from shaving. Just thought I'd throw that out there. Good luck with your rash.

Take care,
Pam

[Pollyanna]

style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/Thanx.gif For your insights. It's amazing how much we all seem to have in common isn't it! Okay, I tried the looking through the glass trick and they stay red. Even the red tissue surrounding the bumps stayed red, though it may have blanched slightly. Hmmmmmmmmm style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/afraid.gif

I did hear from the rheumy's office and am awaiting a call as to whether the doc can see me today. Whilst waiting, I looked up my med records and the last time this happened was two years ago and the ER doc diagnosed it as "subcutaneous erythema nodosum" and not lupus profundus as I stated earlier. Sorry about that. I guess we shall see.

As to how I'm feeling? Well, as you all know, level of pain is relevant, but I suppose I've been a bit achier than usual, but then again, I'm flaring and am getting used to methotrexate and still on prednisone while we wait for the metho to kick in. Who knows?! It's all rather frustrating at times. style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/crying.gif

Well thank you again for all your support. All I can do now is wait to see the doctor and wallow in my little pity party for awhile. I don't allow myself to have them often!

Love and hugs to all, Pollyanna style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/wub.gif

Oh and PS: Apparently this isn't the result of careless shaving. Whew! That would be so embarassing!! style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/oops.gif

[Pollyanna]

Vasculitis. That's what the rheumy says she thinks it is. Not quite sure what to think about that, but she's doubled my prednisone to a week long taper and will see me next Tuesday if it doesn't get better. We shall see. style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/sad.gif

Meanwhile, I'll enjoy a boost in energy by Sunday and maybe get some dusting done around here! Look out dust bunnies!! style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/hairstand.gif

Thanks ya'll. Pollyanna style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/wub.gif

[Lily]

(((((((((Polly))))))))

I have a blind spot when it comes to dust bunnies style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/laugh.gif The only bunnies I recognise lately are chocolate ones style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/tongue.gif

Hope you feel better soon.

love
Lily

[Pollyanna]

style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/tongue.gif Lily! Chocolate bunnies indeed! You are too funny my friend!

I haven't been on much lately - been feeling poorly, but take care all of my lupie buddies!

style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/wub.gif Pollyanna