Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) commonly leads to joint pain, swelling, and inflammation. In addition to these well-known symptoms, some people with RA may also develop skin rashes. These rashes can arise from various conditions such as hives, vasculitis, and other skin issues.
An RA rash is more likely to appear during a flare-up of the condition. Rheumatoid vasculitis (RV), a complication of RA, is caused by the immune system’s interaction with blood vessels, influenced by high levels of rheumatoid factor (RF) in the blood. As a result, any rash associated with RA requires careful supervision and treatment guidance from a doctor.
Rheumatoid arthritis can also cause other skin problems, such as hives or firm lumps known as rheumatoid nodules. The severity of skin involvement can be an indicator of the disease’s overall severity. Furthermore, the medications used to treat RA may have effects on the skin. In rare cases, nodules can signify rheumatoid vasculitis, which is inflammation of small and medium-sized blood vessels.
Joint stiffness, typically worse in the mornings and after periods of inactivity, fatigue, fever, and loss of appetite are also common symptoms of RA. Early stages of rheumatoid arthritis tend to affect smaller joints first — particularly those in the fingers and toes. As the disease progresses, symptoms often spread to larger joints, like the wrists and knees.
One common type of rash for individuals with rheumatoid arthritis is palmar erythema, characterized by reddened palms. A study found that almost 60 percent of those with RA experienced palmar erythema at some point. This condition usually affects both hands and is not typically painful or itchy.
For more information on rheumatoid arthritis rashes, visit Medical News Today, Healthline, Healthline on Livedo Reticularis, Verywell Health, WebMD, Mayo Clinic, and myRAteam for comprehensive insights and treatment options.
