Malar Rash or vasculitis?

[laker]

I have had a very red rash across my nose and cheeks several times but it does not last long and I have never had any positive bloodwork for lupus. I have also had this on my whole face a couple of times. I had vasculitis last week which was very red on my legs, arms and hands. Seems like this face rash is more likely vasculitis than lupus? Anyone know anything about this?
Laker

[Raglet]

vasculitis is a symptom of lupus, so I am not sure if I understand your question.

Maybe more information about your rashes would help?

cheers

raglet

[laker]

Hi Raglet,
I had cutaneous vasculitis, but my dr. is thinking I may have systemic vasculitis. I have many lupus symptoms but no supporting bloodwork except for vasculitis.
Laker

[Janna]

I had a skin biopsy of one of my lesions before I was diagnosed it came back immune complex vasculitis. That was my doctors first clue as to what was wrong with me. I do get a malar rash from time to time and livedo reticularis. All very attractive!!

[helloos]

Can you have a dermotologist look at your rash?

Maybe even take a picture of it while it present, but if you can have the dermo look at it, that would probably be your best bet.

[laker]

Hellos & Janna,
I also have livedo reticulars on my arms, but I did not know what it was until I looked up the term after seeing it in your post. Does the biopsy need to be done when the vasculitis is active?

I was put on 20 mg prednisone 5 days ago and it has pretty well settled down so it is too late for a derm to see it. I do have a note from my gp describing it and saying it is vasculitis and also describing the Raynauds, which has been bad lately. I go to see a rheum and my neuro on Monday and my dr. said to bring the note with me. These drs are a 3-1/2 hour drive away so I can't just go see them every time something new happens.Wish my gp had had me get a biopsy, it may have given me a diagnosis.:(

Will this come back when I taper off the pred? I had this rash in October, but was out of the country so I did not see a dr. and only now realize it was a milder version of what I had last week.
Thanks so much for any thoughts.
Laker

[Janna]

I've never had a rash biopsied so I can't answer your question. My disease started with enormous edemas. I had one of them biopsied and it came back as immune complex vasculitis. That is what gave my drs the first clue that they were looking for a connective tissue disease. My ANA has never been positive but I have aps and two clots- one was a stroke- so for all intents and purposes, I have lupus. I don't really care what it is called as long as I am treated!!

[laker]

Thanks Janna,
I am not too concerned what they diagnose me with either. I just want to try to get off prednisone and on something that will hopefully stop the new problems occurring. I had 2-3 new symptoms show up in the last 8 weeks and the same in the 8 weeks before that. I worry about what may be happening to my body while we try to figure this out!
Take care-hope you are well.
Laker

[Janna]

I know you are worried but try to keep yourself calm. Autoimmune diseases love stress!!!! They'll find the right meds for you! I'll be thinking about you!