Lupus Support Group

Lupus is an auto-immune disease in which the immune system cannot distinguish between threats (like viruses and bacteria), and healthy cells and tissue. As a result, the body produces antibodies that inflict cell damage, most commonly targeting joints, skin, kidneys and the nervous system. Join the group and find support for coping with lupus.

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azgal49 08/16/2015

Hello everyone!

First, I want to say that I have not been diagnosed with Lupus. I had the tests done several years ago and it came back negative. However, I have broken out in a rash that seems to be a mystery. I have gone to my PCP twice and then to a dermatologist this past Friday. The rash started on my chest and has spread everywhere, and I mean everywhere! The only exceptions at this point is below my knees and my face. I feel a tightness in the skin across my nose and under my eyes, but it's not consistent.

My dermatologist did a biopsy yesterday and I have to get some blood work done in the morning.

The rash itches and can be painful in some places. It is driving me CRAZY!!

Any thoughts? Thank you in advance.

(((hugs)))

nanny1611 08/16/2015

Hi, azgal49, and welcome to the Lupus forum. My blood tests always came back negative for lupus, but finally some skin biopsies provided the diagnosis of lupus and dermatomyositis. So it's good that you had a biopsy done yesterday and will have blood work tomorrow.. Hopefully you'll get a correct diagnosis. My dermatologist prescribed a steroid cream for my rashes, but it thinned my skin to much so I quit using it. What I use now is coconut oil, which can be used as often as needed. It cools and soothes my skin, as well as quelling the itch. Hope you find what works well for your rashes. Best wishes to you, and be sure to let us know the results of your various tests.

azgal49 08/16/2015

Hi nanny1611,

Thank you so much for the warm welcome and reply. He did prescribe a steroid cream for the rash. It seems to make it hurt worse before it helps it to feel better. He said that it could take 2-3 weeks to get the result for the biopsy. :( I will get some of the coconut oil tomorrow. I did buy organic coconut soap, but I haven't seen a difference using that.

MToennis 08/16/2015

Hi! I have found any oil seems to help a lot! Also, no hot baths or showers. Lukewarm is best. I so sometimes use steroid cream and used it before I started on the oil, but found the oil is just as good. Watch out for your soap too. Use sulfate free if possible! But Dove sensitive skin is good too. Good luck!
Mary Ann

nanny1611 08/16/2015

Almost forgot...pat yourself dry after a shower. Don't rub yourself dry.

azgal49 08/16/2015

MT...thank you for the reply and advice. I threw the box away that the soap came in, so I'm not sure if it has sulfate in it. I will have to start taking lukewarm showers, as I don't do that now.

(((hugs)))

azgal49 08/16/2015

nanny....thank you for that. I will start doing that in the morning. It makes sense that it would help. So many things that I haven't thought about. :)

(((hugs)))

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