Hi Connie
I'm from Lancashire, England. I asked in case you had a 'minor injuries' casualty dept. that you could pop into to ask if you should be worried about your rash.
I get flushed cheeks and bridge of the nose when i'm flaring and if i get over tired. I have had a rash in the v of my chest up to my neck and jaw for some time. It has got worse as I have got older. It is a very fine close together rash, but from a distance it looks a bit like lots and lots of tiny thread veins. Thought it was to do with aging, but when i'm flaring it flushes really red. I also get what look like hives within the fine rashed area, but unlike hives, they are not particularly itchy.
For me this is just an ugly symptom rather than a problem. It sort of confirms a flare to me, but your rash could be different, so taking pictures or getting somebody to have alook is a good idea.
If your medication has not changed, your breathing is ok, and you are not running a high temperature you should be ok. Just don't forget to mention it if it settles down before you see a doctor.
Interestingly, when my rash is visible (today) my skin does feel warmer than usual, but i rarely have a high temperature. So today = flushed, rash, aches, flu like symptoms without a runny nose = time for me to go to bed.
This is my first (mild bout) since around Christmas, but a bit self-inflicted because. i was feeling so well after waiting months for the plaquenil tablets to have an effect on my SLE / Hughes / Sogrens symptoms that i have gone and over done it a bit.
I really have learned to rest A LOT more than I used to, and if I do not i tend to come a cropper.
I hope you get some proper answers soon. It is really important to be gentle with yourself whilst maintaining a little gentle exercise so you don't get stiff as well as achy or all h--- can break loose in terms of 'knock on' pains. Because pain is so mentally and physically tiring it is a good idea not to get too blaze about analgesia. That is - if you need it - take it ... regularly!
I am afraid I am still learning myself Connie, (I do not recognise your medication) but i sympathise with your uncertainty becasue it is a worrying time when you are not sure what is going on.
All the best.
