small red blotches on skin

Posted by kerrywp @kerrywp, 1 day ago

Hi,
Has anyone had small red blotches randomly appear on your legs or arms?
Flat, not raised and doesn't itch. I think it is a side effect from prednisone but my rheumatologists say they have not seen that. I finally decided it was benign and I have just ignored it. But thought I would ask all of you.
Thanks!!

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) Support Group.

Also, when I was in remission for 3+ years and off prednisone these red blotches pretty much stopped appearing.

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You are correct that prednisone is most likely cause.
Our skin is also thinned by years of sun exposure .
Wear sunscreen and moisturize daily. Long sleeves are partially
protective. Minimal trauma can even cause tears.

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Confirmed by my drs, yes prednisone. Also have had them in my face 🤦🏼

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Yes i have them as well and its the Prednisone. Sometimes they just appear out of no where it's not that i bumped anything.

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I have what seems like bleeds under the skin that look very much like this. It seems many have the same. It appears prednisone causes thin skin. Rheumatologist was unconcerned and said should improve when off prednisone.

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I had some similar but mine was a reaction to a blood thinner. That was then stopped. I now can do a baby aspirin. It happened again after I was on hydroxychloroquine for 6 months. I stopped that also. Now on very low tapering dose of 2 mg prednisone and Actemra subq every other week and I am stable doing ok. I never did have these spots on prednisone. Check on this for sure. 👍🏻

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Unbelievable. I had to check to see if I wrote this! I've got the same thing and been trying to sort it out for weeks. Do you think they will go away when I'm off steroid but still on Actemra infusions? I've noticed that if I do something like try to move a mattress they get worse. How do Rheumatologists not know this?? I am amazed by the lack of knowledge of doctors who specialize in an area, whether it is this area or another. I keep telling them they should check these groups, that would open their eyes!!
I will be off Methylprednisolone in 6 days and will keep up the Actemra infusions. I have good levels but just get so exhausted. I can do something, but then drag around like a zombie for 3 days. No one can say if that's the Actemra or the PMR. I felt better a year ago!

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Well, once I stopped the prednisone/Actemra they pretty much disappeared - only every now and then.

Prednisone makes your skin so thin - so can easily be bruised and/or scraped.

Hang in there!! And wishing you these best of luck getting off these meds. As much as we hate them - they are miracle drugs until something better comes along.

I agree it is amazing doctors are unaware of this. Hopefully someone is reading these
comments and can pass info on for more to be researched.

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