Has anyone had a similar experience...EVER?

[Annig83]

Okay, so between three doctors, no one can figure out what is on my arm  I attached a pic. so that you guys might know what the heck this is?  I've seen my GP, and he said infection; I've been on 10 days of antibiotics and no results.  I saw my neph. and he said he has no clue what it is and that it is not caused by dialysis, or kidney function.  I saw my rheumatologist today, thinking it may be related to an auto-immune problem (since I have RA), and he said it's not, and not related to psorasis, sun, or something I used like soap, or lotions.  He gave me a shot of a steroid and I've yet to see any change.  

So... if anyone has a clue please give me some feedback.  I guess the next step is a dermatologist, I am hoping it is not skin cancer... but I am unsure if it spreads this fast? 

[Annig83]

Oh, and PS it does not itch, burn, nor peel... sigh

[Cordelia]

I wonder if it's cellulitis. Is there a fluid-like cyst on your skin that's built up with fluid? Chances are if there is, then it could be that. He had to have it drained and go on a round of antibiotics to clear it up.

Good luck finding out what it is.   

[Annig83]

Nope, no cysts... guess that's a good thing

[RightSide]

Does it feel warm and tender to the touch?  Those are often signs of infection.

The fact that the antibiotic your physician prescribed hasn't helped, doesn't rule out infection.  It could be an infection that's resistant to that particular antibiotic.

Do you go to a center for hemodialysis?  If so, then your neph could order a blood culture, which would show just which bug (if any) it is. 

[gothiclovemonkey]

thats what i look like when i get nervous... could be stress?
kind of like hives.. but they dont itch so im not sure what it could be...
did u change detergents of collogne or parfume lately? soap? shampoo? anything like that...

[Annig83]

I was on Doxycycline, a broad range antibiotic, and I had a blood draw, and so far no infection, I've had zero fevers, chills, etc.  No pain at all... it's so strange.  And I have not changed any detergents or soaps.  It's so weird, because it's only on my arms, very small on the left, and a large patch on the right (shown).   

[Riki]

yep.. I'd definitely have a blood culture done. just to rule out infection. It does look a bit like cellulitis.  It doesn't itch or burn, but sometimes hurts a bit.  I had it on my leg a few years ago and had to have a pressure bandage on my leg for a few days to bring the swelling down.

When I had it, the only time it hurt was when I put any weight on my leg. Since it's on your arm, you're probably not putting any weight on it

[Cordelia]

Omg, you just reminded me of something!!!! My sis in law has the very same problem----happens when she gets stressed! I think she said it was something from having an underactive/overactive thyroid! Would you like me to ask her for you to confirm?

[lmunchkin]

It looks like Poison Ivy to me, but Im sure that is not what it is!  Oh dear, I hope you find out soon!

lmunchkin   

[okarol]

I cannot recall... are you on PD? I remember reading about allergic reactions - here's a related article http://www.advancesinpd.com/adv05/Adv20053d-4.pdf
A rash is mentioned in this Q & A http://ihatedialysis.com/forum/index.php?topic=15815.msg278516#msg278516

[Annig83]

I am on PD, and I've seen the neph 2x and he says it isn't an allergic reaction.  I am seeing a dermatologist on Monday.

[texasstyle]

Hmmm. looks like a rash of sort to me. Rashes are in thier own little catagory. I used to get hives also. Hives are uslually a little "spongy", but not always. The Derm will probably know right off the bat what it is. Drug reactions, heat so many reasons you may have this. Be sure to bring a list of the meds you take for I'm sure they'll wantto know. Hope it goes away soon!

[monrein]

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/26/health/26brody.html?ref=health

I found this today in the New York times and thought it might be of some relevance here.

[Annig83]

Morein- that article is very helpful!  I was supposed to go to the derm. today but they moved my appt.  I had a steroid shot last week and it seems to be going away slowly from it.  I am supposed to call my rheumatologist in a few days.  I just don't know what it is since it's only on my right arm now.  I had one or two patches on my left arm, but that has disapeared  .  Thank you for the article though, I will bring it up to the derm and my neph.  The only drug I am on that causes photosensitvity is my Nifedpine, for BP, I've been on it since Nov. of last year, but as the article states, it could be some time before a reaction occurs.  I will let everyone know what the derm. or my rhuematologist say.  THANK YOU!