Is this an autoimmune rash?

Hello @offweg00, Welcome to Connect. Unfortunately members on Connect are patients like yourself and cannot provide a diagnosis but we can share our personal experiences. I did find some information that sounds very much like what you are describing for symptoms and may be helpful.

"Most bumps on the arms are caused by a condition called keratosis pilaris. There are other possible causes as well, ranging from inflammatory skin conditions to irritation, such as folliculitis. Because of the wide range of possible causes, you shouldn't self-diagnose bumps on your arms."
--- Bumps on Arms: Causes, Treatment, and More: https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/why-do-i-have-bumps-on-my-arms.

I'm not sure if you have heard about it or looked into it but there might be another option to look at for seeking help -- How to find low-cost health care in your community: https://www.healthcare.gov/community-health-centers/.

Do you have any local clinics that may be able to provide help?

No health insurance right now? Yikes.
so are there also medications you are going without?

God Bless You! I am not a doctor, but, I have been told by a specialist if you have 1 autoimmune disease, the chances are great of getting another one. I question if you have Lupus as it can cause severe skin reactions. A doctor would have to run the tests for that and diagnose you. Is there any government supported health facility near you that can help you? I am so sorry you are battling this. Praying for you to be able to get some help and a special touch from the Lord. Praying right now.

@offweg00
Hi,
Is there a local pharmacist you trust that you can ask? (I've done this more than once to see if there's a home remedy to try, if I should go to the doctor, or if I should wait it out and they've always helped).
Take care

I just finished my third immunoglobulin infusion for CIDP. I am on a path that requires them two-days every three weeks. Anyway, just prior to the last infusion I noticed hives on my shoulders and arms, at first I thought it was a heat rash but it has continued to get worse. Now I have it on my back and legs and my hands seem to have dermatitis which is manifesting into a rash as well. If I leave it alone and treat it with cortisone ointment and take a Benadryl a couple of times a day I seem to feel ok. From my reading I assume this is a reaction to the Privigen and that my body is attempting to adjust to the infusion of a blood product. I have a call into my doctor, but my guess is he will tell me the same thing.

I am so sorry to see that you are suffering like this. And before I forget it…did you know that Mark Cuban started a pharmacy a little over a year ago for generic drugs. You can usually get a 90 day supply for under $10. He is constantly adding more meds every day. It’s called COST PLUS DRUS CO. You just have your doctor to fax your script there like any other pharmacy. I have a rash on my arms and have had for years. Was diagnosed with RA in 2008 and Sjogrens and Lupus after that. Cannot tell by pictures if our rashes are the same but mine does not hurt or itch. It is causing scarring at this point. Someone mentioned looking for a free clinic. Several years ago I had no insurance and looked in OK where I live and found a clinic here that helped me until my insurance kicked in. And with Walmart’s $4 and $10 90 scripts I was able to survive until I got insurance. We must be our own advocate. Right.? Again I am sorry you are going through a rough patch. But the good news is that we all understand and we very much care. Please stay close to the group I have learned so much from this wonderful group of people that so gladly share what they have and are learning as they walk this walk together.

So difficult to access care now. It seems free medical care is no longer found. Are you diabetic in addition to
having autoimmune diseases?
You will likely need a biopsy of the skin and consult with
a dermatologist. Is there a dermatology training program in your area that might offer a clinic ?

I have Granuloma Annular e . It started out similar to this, but it started out with the mild rash. These little soft bumps started forming in a circle. More and more were forming rings like ringworms, but the circles are irregular. Their inner circles are purplish, red or white. Some are 2 inches in diameter and on my torso, thighs and going down my arms and legs for the past 3 years. They have never gone away and are spreading. Itching is like attacks and come on suddenly. With steroid cream and care i get relief some time. I can see and feel a change in my body or skin, (hard to explain) but the area about to start the itch attack swells up like a fresh ant bites and itching starts and spreads. Then directly on the opposite side of my body, such as my left thigh, then starts on the right side of my body too. I am now getting the rings down my calves on opposite sides now almost in a matching pattern. Wearing long sleves and jeans.

I, too, had GA years ago. It has now returned and the itching comes on suddenly. I use a steroid when it gets really bad Also, I have been left with bumps on my arms, thighs and back. I am waiting to see a Dermatologist . Also wearing long sleeves!!

As a follow up, the hives/rash and dermatitis on my hands are among the most common reactions to Privigen. The all continue to bloom and have continued to spread. The doc is ordering a 250ml saline infusion before and after the Privigen infusion. It itches a lot more now and going into direct sunlight it feels like pins and needles. This is all superficial and, otherwise, I feel better than I did before I started the Privigen infusions.