Ugh. Why Cant They Figure This Out???

[arwenoftheblade]

I have NO Idea what I have...and it seems no Doctor here knows what it is, or is willing to find out. (no insurance)

Since 2007, I have had this rash on my hands. First it started on my wrist, and only came out in times of stress. Little red pimples that had no head. They itch and in turn if i scratch them, they bleed. I had recently went to the beach so i figured i got bit by a mite or something. Well, they spread. It will be three years this march, and now they're on the back of my hands, the tops of my feet, the sides of my feet and the sides of my palms. These things ITCH. not constantly, but at times i want to use a wire brush and scratch (i dont!!). I had a doctor tell me I was allergic to the sun, another told me it was foliculitus and that i needed to shower more, which at the time I worked at wal-mart so I showered before and after work. Now, if i get a cut on my hand, or a scratch, it heals, but bubbles up and stays that way. Some days they're more noticeable than others. Also, I had my tonsils out in July, the rash completely dissapeared for 3 weeks after that. Then it came back and with avendgence. I was told to get a test for lupus (as i have a rash on my face that most doctors have told me is rosecha), but I cannot afford it. I have hypothyroidism and PCOS. Im hoping that the rash is just a symptom of the thyroid problem, but I'm starting to get really worried about it.  It's not contagious, because if it were my husband would be covered in them. He has NONE and he's known me since before the rash even started. If you can be of any help I'd appreciate your comments. I have no idea what to do!!!!!

[laborlawchick]

Just a couple questions - do you live in a warm climate, does it get better in the fall when it gets colder?  You may have two or more things going on at once.  A Rheumy said mine was from not showering, how embarassing and how not true.  Luckily the Dermy assured me it was actually Grave's disease.  A script for an inexpensive ointment and a few days and it was gone.  But, the other skin issues might be due to SLE, sun sensitivity, etc... You can be allergic to the sun, if you are driving in a car, do you notice your knuckles get red and itchy and it goes away when I am inside.  This sun sensitivity or allergy wipes me out all summer, but when it breaks to cool, it gets managable for me.  Also, when you have a bath, do you react to the heat of the water?  I do, so in addition to the sun, heat alone can wipe you out.  Hang in there...
It is hard to manage symptoms, work and worry about health insurance.  But, it does not explain the boils.  That may be something all together different;

[arwenoftheblade]

Thank you Dr. Nicolson for your comments!!

There are other things that have been going on with me that I didn't mention because I did not think they were connected. But I'll list them anyway..

In addition to my rash, i get boils under my arms, right under my arm pits. They hurt, but i can usually keep them away with Proactive.

I have maybe 4 periods a year, and have been diagnosed with PCOS.

I am hypothridic, and also may have issues with my gaulbladder because I have sharp pains in my upper right chest that feel like there is a hot poker going through my body, and these last for HOURS.

I also have cold hands and feet and extreme joint pain, especially in my left shoulder left elbow, left knee, hip and ankle.

Chronic migranes and sinus infections, and about 3 to 4 UTI's a year. This may or may not be connected but I thought I would post what else was going on.

[Garth L Nicolson, PhD]

My comment to you and the other discussants is that the link between thyroid problems and skin rashes of various types is probably one or more chronic viral or bacterial infections.  Infections such as Mycoplasma often cause thyroiditis and cause skin rashes.  However, most patients have other symptoms as well, and if look at your condition carefully, you may find that you have left out symptom information.  Fortunately, such infections if present can be treated, but the treatment is long-term and recovery is not rapid.

[karajo]

Thanks for your input.  I didn't know that hashimoto's could cause a rash.  

[thyroidian]

You should ask your doctor to test you for the hashimotos,its only a simple blood test to check the anti-bodies,
I do believe that it causes rashes, as well as being an unpleasant thyroid illness.
I do believe thyroid problems can run in families too.
Good luck, keep me posted/
Nicola

[arwenoftheblade]

wow, i never thought about that. My aunt was just diagnosed with hasimotos....and i could have it too. thank you!

[thyroidian]

Hi
I have read your post, and i think it could be reated to your thyroid condition, as i have thyroid problems, and i get itchy rashes,just like your describing,
Is your thyroid condition,due to hashimotos thyroid,have you been tested for the anti-bodies for hashimotos?
As you can get rashes with hashimotos,
You could have an IgE blood test to see if you have some sort of immune problem,what could mean you have an allergy.
I hope this helps you, and maybe you could find a reason to your rash.
Good luck
Nicola

[karajo]

Hi and welcme to MedHelp.

I agree with whoever.  It sounds like it is either discoid lupus or an allergy to the sun.  Wear sunscreen and try really hard to STAY OUT OF THE SUN!