Itching and rash from hydroxychloroquine use

Hello @quinceyq - Itching and rash are a known side effect of hydroxychloroquine - https://www.goodrx.com/hydroxychloroquine/plaquenil-side-effects. I think it's a good thing you are seeing your dermatologist today and also reaching out to your rheumatologist. Can you let us know what you find out?

Ah your post is perfect timing for me! I have noticed a rash around my ankle seemingly out of the blue. I’ve been lowering my prednisone 2.5/2 this month (June). I don’t have a history of psoriasis or eczema, athletes foot, etc. I’ve been using “Dr” AI asking questions about what it might be. Family Dr gave me a fungal cream stating use for 2 weeks & if not better go to dermatologist. It’s not better so going to dermatologist on Wednesday. I’ll post her diagnosis here.
I just don’t need another hit to my old body!! I’ll be 73 in July & gosh I didn’t think I’d be falling apart so soon! Oy vey!

@kare1
I had occasional hives when on prednisone. Doctors didn’t attribute it to prednisone but it’s happened only once since I’ve been off prednisone so can’t help thinking it was the prednisone. Been off since February 20.

@kare1

I visited my dermatologist yesterday and she prescribed Triamcinolone and/or Tacrolimus (very pricey). Decided on the former, but waiting on approval from my rheumatologist before using as it is a corticosteroid. I believe this is just mother symptom of PMR and the tapering, and in my case hydroxychloroquine use as itching/rash is a known symptom. I’ll let you know what my rheumy has to say. Wishing you an early Happy Birthday! I also turn 73 on the 19th!!

@caroljeand when I used to get poison Ivy I got that prednisone pill pack which was a blessing in treating that affliction! After the last day I ALWAYS broke out in hives (I’m guessing) all over my abdomen. Then it went away. What’s on my ankle is way different from gentle-looking hive-y rash. We shall see!

@kare1
All these are meds are causing side effects different for everyone. It’s best if we can do without as soon as possible. They fix one thing and cause another.
I’m going through that now.
Just messed up my neck and the meds for the pain and inflammation caused so much stomach distress that I can’t get it straightened out. Seeing the gastro doctor today.

You are so right - hope you will find relief soon🙏🙏

@quinceyq m
My Dermo today recommended Triamcinolone as well. I’ve portaled my Rheumy & family physician about the new prescription asking for sure if it’s ok to take while on 2 mgs of prednisone. The internet AI info says it is but I’ll wait till they respond. So this rash showed up as I was at the 2.5/2 mgs step down. Curious!!

I'm taking HCQ. After 6 months of dosage at 350 mg daily, I have developed a similar rash from elbows down the forearms. And knees down calves, and a fee minor spots elsewhere. It is very dry. Dr said these types of rashes are always hard to get a good diagnosis with as different issues tend to produce very similar rashes. Tried some steroid cream, tried some anti-fungal cream, without much luck. Zinc Oxide cream on redder spots calmed them down. But swapping out drying soaps to softer liquid soap helped a lot. After washing I used E45 cream which is an eczema treatment of paraffin and wool fat. Now all clearing up after around 5 weeks of mainly treating with a change of bath soap and E45 cream.