Wake up with weird rash spot
Hello,
I have been waking up with a weird rash spot every now and then. It is usually one spot and happens maybe once every one to two weeks, or sometimes longer apart. It has the appearance like a skinned knee. It does not hurt or itch. Sometimes the area is a little swollen. I do not think it is a bug bite. It usually appears on my shins, but I have had one on my breast, thigh, and trunk before. Exact same appearance as the picture I have posted (this one was on the back of my lower leg). I have had autonomic dysfunction for the last two years post covid vaccination, but this rash coming and going pre-dates that. Thank you for any help you can provide.
Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Skin Health Support Group.
Very helpful to have photo documented. Start with a
Dermatology consultation and bring all photos you can
produce. The rash does not have to be active to get
working on the diagnostic testing. At times a simple
skin shave sample or biopsy can make the most specific
diagnosis when the rash is apparent.
With the autonomic dysfunction an immunological screening and metabolic labs are indicated as it may
all be interrelated. Medication history including over
the counter remedies is also important.
The best internet site I have found featuring photos of rashes is dermnetnz.org. They have the most extensive list of various skin diseases and this site's photos helped me identify one of my types of eczema with a unique rash. It had previously been diagnosed incorrectly and the treatment given me actually fueled the rash.
Your rash doesn't seem to fit any eczema profile I am aware of. I have dealt with 3 types of eczema for decades and have followed various internet skin sites but way in the back of my mind, I have seen this seen this unique rash with the symptoms you explained. I simply can't remember the cause or name, partly because it wasn't relevant to my issues.
I've learned the hard way not all derms are equal. Many simply want you to rub on a topical steroid which is only a treatment to hastening healing in some cases, but doesn't stop what's causing the rash. Some derms are more knowledgeable than others. So keep being proactive for yourself searching skin websites, showing this photo and describing your symptoms gives you a better chance of identifying the name of this disease. Also state if it is itchy, this symptom helps with identification.
Once the cause is identified you can get the right treatment.
The photo and history are typical of Lichen aureus. Bring the photos to your
Dermatologist and make certain it is nothing more consequential.
Good evening @monarchbfly, Thanks for the photo and the good description of your skin irritants. I have discovered those more frequently on my body in the last few months. My MFR therapist says they are the result of blood thinning in the area. So....I talked to my PCP who is responsible for keeping track of all my medications. She agreed with my MFR therapist and suggested that a recent increase in my Ibuprofen medication would likely be the cause. Have you been taking Ibuprofen or increased the dosage of a similar medication?
I take mine for SFN (small fiber neuropathy). It does a great job of controlling and even reducing the pain.
The spots just show up here and there all over my body......no pain or itching as a result.
Please let me know what else you discover and I will add it to my list of potential culprits.
May you be free of pain and suffering.
Chris