Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis Rashes: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease characterized by the body’s immune system attacking itself, leading to inflammation and various symptoms. Not only does RA commonly cause joint pain, swelling, and inflammation, but it can also lead to skin manifestations like rashes. These rashes are a result of conditions such as hives, vasculitis, and livedo reticularis, each presenting with distinct features.

Livedo reticularis is one such condition, marked by visible purple or darkened blood vessels under the skin, often forming a net-like pattern. This can be accompanied by a general rash. In the case of rheumatoid vasculitis, the skin involvement can range from mild rashes to more severe symptoms like skin ulcers, particularly on the legs. The severity of skin symptoms can be an indicator of the overall severity of the disease.

In many instances, the rash appears as red or purplish on the legs, sometimes accompanied by sores, purple lesions, or large ulcers, especially in more severe cases. These symptoms can be accompanied by a lack of sensation, numbness, or tingling in the affected areas. Rheumatoid vasculitis can also impact other parts of the body, potentially leading to an enlarged liver or spleen and hematuria (blood in urine).

For more detailed information on rheumatoid arthritis rashes, their causes, and treatments, you can visit Healthline, Medical News Today, Healthline’s Livedo Reticularis page, Healthgrades, Verywell Health, CreakyJoints, and myRAteam for comprehensive insights.