Is this an autoimmune rash?

Posted by offweg00 @offweg00, Jul 21, 2023

Hi everyone,

Does anyone recognize this rash? I have several autoimmune diseases (Hashimoto's, Rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren's, lymphocytic colitis) and this rash has persisted on both arms for months. I don't have health insurance right now and can't afford to get myself checked out. The rash does not itch. It is not tender to the touch. I have had no exposure to poison ivy or anything like it. It feels like there are bumps under the skin, so there's no blistering or peeling or scabbing at all on the skin itself. What is particularly weird is that on one of my arms there's a u-shaped area of inflammation that is discolored and looks bruised, but it is not. The bumps aren't hard - just feels soft and lumpy. Any ideas?

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Ingegerd Enscoe, Alumni Mentor | @astaingegerdm | Jul 30, 2023

@offweg00
It would definitely be better if you could be seen by a doctor.
Did you ever try Telemedicine?
You have RA- could this possibly be Rheumatoid Nodules?

offweg00 | @offweg00 | Jul 30, 2023

Thank you everyone for your helpful and supportive comments and suggestions. To answer a few questions: 1) I am not currently on any meds, 2) I do not have diabetes, 3) I had autoimmune bloodwork done a couple years ago and the rheumatologist diagnosed me with RA and sjogren's, but not lupus (doesn't mean I don't also have that, but at last evaluation I did not), 4) I've had Hashimoto's thyroiditis since about 2016 and the lymphocytic colitis/IBS for many years.

I have considered granuloma annulare but still not sure - could be an early version of that. I have also considered rheumatoid nodules, but again at this stage they don't really look or feel like those either. I actually wonder if it's my uncontrolled thyroid disease that's causing this right now. It did always give me hives. I just signed up for GoodRX which allows for consultations on basic medical issues. I'm trying to see if I can get back on my thyroid meds via this route. If they can get me a prescription, I may see if I can also get a consultation on the rash. If not I will ask at CVS and see if they can. I don't qualify for low income medical care. I work 55+ hours a week for an employer who does not provide health insurance. I make enough to get by (barely) but not enough to pay for my own health insurance. A frustrating spot to be in.