Arthritis: Painful rash appearing as red plaques or bumps resembling eczema are signs

Eamonn Holmes discusses Liam Gallagher's arthritis struggles

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Arthritis is inflammation of one or more joints in the body. The two most common types are osteoarthritis (also known as degenerative joint disease) and rheumatoid arthritis. Early warning signs of rheumatoid arthritis may include a painful rash.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a condition where the body’s immune system attacks itself and inflames the protective membrane inside the joints.

This can result in symptoms that range from mild to severe.

Symptoms are mostly related to joint problems. However, you may also experience flare-ups where your symptoms are worse.

This may include rashes on the body due to inflammation.

Interstitial granulomatous dermatitis is a rash that can occur with rheumatoid arthritis.

Doctors may also call this condition rheumatoid papules.

Symptoms associated with the condition include red plaques or bumps that closely resemble eczema.

The rash is itchy and often painful.

“The features of interstitial granulomatous dermatitis are variable,” says DermNET NZ.

According to the site, features of this condition include:

• Red or skin-coloured patches, papules and plaques
• The shape of the lesions may be round, annular or cord-like
• Lesions wax and wane, and may vary in size and shape over days to months
• They are usually symptomless, but some patients complain of mild itch or burning sensation
• The lesions tend to be symmetrically distributed on the trunk, but proximal limbs may also be affected
• It most commonly affects middle-aged women
• Many affected patients also suffer from autoimmune disease.

A skin rash can also be a sign of an allergic reaction to a drug.

This is why it’s integral to let your doctor know if your skin breaks out or starts itching.

Depending on the type of rash you have and how severe it is, your doctor may lower the dose or stop your medication altogether.

In some cases, you may need another drug, such as a corticosteroid or antihistamine, to stop the reaction.

Other early signs of arthritis to be aware of include:

• Pain in a joint
• Joint swelling and tenderness
• Joint stiffness, especially in the morning
• Grating sound or sensation
• Pain in a joint that was previously injured
• Groin pain
• Symmetrical joint pain
• Pain or stiffness in your hands and feet.

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