MCTD Support Group

Mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD) or Sharp's syndrome is a human autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the body. MCTD combines features of polymyositis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and systemic scleroderma and is thus considered an overlap syndrome. MCTD commonly causes joint pain/swelling, Raynaud phenomenon, muscle inflammation, and scarring of...

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klwfroggy 01/12/2011

I was diagnosed about 10 years ago with mctd. At that time I really did not have many problems, but since the birth of my daughter three years ago, I have started to have symptoms pop up. My son was born about 9 months ago, and while I was pregnant with him, I started having problems with the skin on my face. Lately it has gotten so much worse. It feels as though it is incredibly wind burned. My chin, cheeks and eyelids burn like crazy and they will turn bright red. My cheeks are pretty much always red and on either side of my nose there are patches that are slightly raised up. These patches are allways there. I was wondering if anyone else has this and what I can do about the burning sensation. I use basis soap once a day on my face and use an Ultra Gentle moisturizer, but even that has stopped helping.

MToennis 01/12/2011

Have you tried cortisone cream? I used to have problems like that and cortisone helped. The Dr said it was rosacea. I think it was caused by the MCTD. Also got a lupoid rash at times during the same period. Dont get it now that I take Medrol.
You may need a dermatologist if that doesnt work.
Good Luck.
Mary Ann

klwfroggy 01/12/2011

I haven't tried that, I will give that a try and see if it helps. Thanks for your help!

deleted_user 01/25/2011

I have had the same thing, but over my eye lids and inside my ear tubes and on my ear lobes. My dermatologist gave me a RX sterodial cream. It is really helpful... when I start getting the rash, I immediately dab on a small amount and it goes away within a day or two. I don't have the cream nearby, but I'll post the name of it later. Highly recommend it! And to MToennis: I agree, I doubt it was rosacea. Many docs innocently don't know much about MCTD.

auggie70 02/05/2011

I also have a prednisone cream from the derm mine comes and goes on my face all the time but the cream clears it right up!!

klwfroggy 02/08/2011

Thank you for replying. I tried the cortisone cream and it didn't really do much. I have an appointment with my rheumy on friday and I will ask him about the steroid cream. Thanks so much!

MToennis 02/08/2011

Before you get confused, cortisone cream is a steroid cream. The prescription stuff is stronger.
Medrol and prednisone are both steroids, just slightly different chemically.
Mary Ann

deleted_user 02/19/2011

The rashes/reddness on your face sounds like the typical Dermatomyositis rash, which can be just one of the elements of MCTD.. Especially because the rash on your eyelids sounds like a Heliotrope Rash, and the only thing this is associated with is Dermatomyositis. Look up Heliotrope Rash, no differencial diagnosis. Problem is many drs. don't know that, and I've had to teach several of them along the way.

I have found for me, over the years, what works best for me is to NOT put anything on it. If I do I find it just holds the heat in. I would definately educate you drs. and ask their advise though.
Best wishes,
Lynne

deleted_user 02/21/2011

Hi my mother has dermamyotosis and a red face, cheeks etc, and she finds coconut oil helps cool things down, I used to get it but it just seemed to go after a while. I looked like i had been burning myself in the sun. I also get the raised patched on either side of my nose all the time also. i do use cortisone cream and it seems to help. I also use a light foundation to help hide the blemishes. I have found my skin has been much clearer since i started drinking more water and having less caffiene.
I didn't notice you mention what medication your taking, but i think is prednisolone and immune suppressant that i take that have helped most unfortunately.
I hope you find sonething that helps.
All the best

deleted_user 02/21/2011

P.S. I forgot to mention, I have used Dove Unscented, very lightly,for a minimum of 40 years.

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