“Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammation of the joints caused by the body’s immune system. Symptoms can range from mild to severe.”

Joint problems are the most common symptoms. Flare-ups in which your symptoms are worse are possible. This may include a rash on the body.

Other skin conditions can be associated with the disease.

  • Neutrophilic dermatoses: These can include Sweet’s syndrome, pyoderma gangrenosum, and rheumatoid neutrophilic dermatitis.
  • Urticaria: Urticaria, or hives, may occur.
  • Rare skin conditions: Sometimes rare skin reactions such as erythema diutinum can occur in people with RA.
  • Reactions to medications: Medications such as methotrexate (Otrexup, preservative-free; Xatmep; and Trexall) can trigger rheumatoid vasculitis (RV) and periungual infarcts, or tissue death in the nails due to lack of blood supply.

Treatments are available for the rash.

People with RA can also experience RV. RV is a rare complication experienced in only 1% to 5% of people with RA.

Learn more about the person.

rheumatoid arthritis in the hands
This rash is caused by dilated capillaries in a person with rheumatoid arthritis. Zay Nyi Nyi/Shutterstock
Rheumatoid nodules in the hands
Rheumatoid nodules can affect the hands and other joints. Prashanthns, CC BY-SA 3.0
leukocytoclastic vasculitis in the legs
A person with leukocytoclastic vasculitis. Roy Choudhury A, Roy Choudhury A. Leukocytoclastic Vasculitis in a Patient With Rheumatoid Arthritis. Cureus. 2021;13(8):e17124. Published 2021 Aug 12. CC-BY 4.0
Rheumatoid vasculitis
Rheumatoid vasculitis shown on the foot. Hercules Robinson / Alamy Stock Photo
Interstitial granulomatous dermatitis
Interstitial granulomatous dermatitis can affect the skin around the armpit. Ucelli JLR, Rudolph FSB, Obadia DL, Dionello CDF. Interstitial granulomatous dermatitis with arthritis. An Bras Dermatol. 2017; CC BY-NC
Periungual granuloma pyogenicum
Periungual granuloma pyogenicum can affect the nails. Michele N Kurlanski DPM/Shutterstock

The severity of the disease can affect the symptoms. RV occurs when your blood vessels become irritative. This can lead to a variety of symptoms, including a red rash, an ulcer on the skin, and lack of blood flow. RV can occur on the legs.

Other symptoms can occur with RV.

  • There is a high degree of fever.
  • appetite loss
  • weight loss
  • Lack of energy or a lack of energy is a problem.

Interstitial granulomatous dermatitis can occur with RA. Doctors may call this condition a disease. There are red plaques or bumps that look like eczema.

The rash is very painful. In people with RA, interstitial granulomatous dermatitis is very rare.

People with RA are prone to episodes known as flares. A flare indicates that there’s increased disease activity in a person’s body.

During a flare, they may have more symptoms associated with the condition, including There is a high degree of fever., joint swelling, and fatigue. An RA rash is more likely to occur during a flare.

RV is a part of the problem. It is caused by the immune system and high levels of RF in the blood.

This triggers inflammation of small arteries and veins. It can be serious and, while rare, RV tends to occur in people who have had severe RA for a long time. This condition can cause skin lesions and ulcers.

There can be more than a rash. Blood flow can be affected by Vasculitis. The results of vasculitis can be severe.

  • There is loss of sensation in the hands and feet.
  • Gangrene can occur in the fingers or toes from the affected blood flow.
  • Blood flow to the brain and heart can be affected by systemic vasculitis.

RV is rare and the other problems are even rarer. It is possible that a rash is a sign that something more severe is about to happen. If you have symptoms of RV, you should see a doctor.

The treatment for an RA rash depends on its severity. A treatment that works well for one type of rash may not work well for another.

“Managing pain and discomfort is one of the things that treatment focuses on. It is important that treatments target the underlying condition since it is a sign that your RA isn’t well controlled.”

“OTC medications that can reduce the pain of a rash include acetaminophen. NSAIDs can be organ threatening, so don’t take them for RA rash.”

Drugs to avoid can include drugs.

  • Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, Nuprin)
  • Naproxen is a drug.
  • aspirin is a drug.

If your pain is severe, a doctor may prescribe pain killers. Opioid pain drugs are only prescribed for severe pain since they have a high risk of addiction.

A doctor may prescribe a drug to reduce inflammation of your rash, which may reduce your pain.

These drugs are not recommended for long-term use. If the doctor is concerned that your rash could get infections, they will likely prescribe either a oral antibiotic or a cream.

When it comes to treating the underlying condition, there are several different medication options available:

Immunosuppressant drugs

The drugs reduce the immune responses that damage joints. They compromise your immune system and increase your risk of illnesses and infections.

There are two types of drugs that suppress the immune system. Inflammation can be reduced by the use of dyneronics. Drugs that target immune cells reduce inflammation.

Anyone with a compromised immune system should not take any drugs.

“JAK-inducers are the next line of treatment when other drugs aren’t working. They help prevent inflammation by affecting genes.”

Rash treatment

Different types of RA are treated with specific treatments.

For RV, treatment usually starts with corticosteroids, such as prednisone. DMARDs, such as methotrexate, may also be prescribed to treat the underlying condition.

Steroids and antibiotics are used for interstitial granulomatous dermatitis.

“A rash can be caused by a change in medications. If you have symptoms after changing your medication, you should tell a doctor. Unless you are told by a doctor, you shouldn’t stop taking your medication.”

There are no permanent solutions that can completely prevent the occurrence of the disease. Doctors may try a combination of drugs to help you. These treatments may reduce inflammation.

People with RA need to live a healthy lifestyle. lifestyle practices that may benefit a person with RA

  • Getting plenty of rest, which can help to reduce fatigue symptoms and minimize joint inflammation.
  • Exercising whenever possible, which can help to enhance joint mobility and build strong, flexible muscles.
  • Taking measures to cope with stress, such as meditation, reading, taking a walk, or doing other activities to promote relaxation.
  • Eating a balanced diet full of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. This can help you maintain a moderate weight, which is important in supporting joint health.

This article is in Spanish.