I was diagnosed with RA a few years ago. I have been having trouble with a red rash in the soft tissue under my eyes. The redness is mostly in the outer corners of my eyes and under my eyes itches all the time now. I went to my primary MD and after multiple questions about eye make up, andy new eye creams, drug side effects and etc., she said that this could be a symptom of Lupus, especially were it is only occuring under my eyes. She recommended that I talk to my Rheumatologist about this. What do you all think? Any information would be greatly appreciated. Hope you are all having a great day! :)
8/ 9/11 9:29pm
Hi, Rena,
Sorry to hear you are having more troubles. I do know a few people who do have RA and Lupus. Please see your rheumy and let us know what he/she says and how you are doing. Hope you feel better, soon, Rena!
Blessings,
V
8/10/11 8:40pm
It is really nice talking to you again, Rena, except I wish it were about a different topic, girl!
Rashes seem to go with Lupus. Of course it could be something else, too, like a medication reaction, etc. Or it could be Lupus.
Whatever it is, I know you will stay on top of it. You have a strong spirit, sweetie!
Keep in touch, and let us know what is going on.
Blessings,
V
8/12/11 1:54pm
Good to be back on the site V. I have been having trouble with my RA and go into my "dark place" for a while, but I'm tired of being there now. Time to come out! HeeHee
About the rashes...I have had more drug reaction rashes in the last 4-5 years than I have had in my whole life! It is crazy!
Take care!
8/10/11 7:21pm
my doctor told me they are like cousins if you have one then at some point in time you well have the other. an it doesnt matter which one you have first. i pray that you dont an hoping its was just that makeup hiding your beauty
take care God Bless
8/10/11 8:43pm
Geez, Suzzy. Your rheumy actually told you that. Oh, my........I had never heard that before.
V
8/12/11 1:51pm
Hey Suzzy! Thanks so much for replying. I had not hear that either, about RA and Lupus being related like that. But...I did find and article on the site that mentioned the disease Lupus and then a "drug indused lupus" which can be caused by RA medications.
I go to my Rheumy on August, 24th. I will discuss with him, the possibility of it actually being lupus or drug indused lupus, in which case, I will have to stop taking my Enbrel and start yet another RA medication. Eee Gad!
I will keep you all posted. Hope all is well with everyone. Take care of yourselves. We are the ones who really know what we need.! :)
8/12/11 3:04pm
As V said, it is unfortunately possible to have more than one autoimmune disease at the same time. Our Contributor Leslie has both RA and Lupus, for example. You can read more about RA and lupus in Lisa Emrich's post about the topic and Karen Lee Richards on our Chronic Pain site has written a post about lupus that may also give you more information.
Rashes can be an indicator of lupus, although it doesn't sound as if you have the traditional almost-certain butterfly rash across your nose and cheeks - I'm not sure that was what your doctor was referring to, but based on your description, it doesn't sound like a butterfly rash. However, rashes can also be caused by a number of other things, so until you see your rheumatologist, try to breathe and not freak yourself out.
keep us posted, please?
8/13/11 1:06pm
Hi Rena,
Welcome back. I hope that your visit goes well with the doctor. It certainly isn't easy having more than one autoimmune disease, but seems to be not so rare. I was just reading a study this week which highlighted different genetic markers which are shared by different autoimmune diseases. RA and Lupus share a number of genetic variants.
Please let us know what the doctor says.
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By Rena— Last Modified: 08/13/11, First Published: 08/09/11
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Thanks for answering V. Hope you are doing well. So...it is possible to have both RA and Lupus. Great! I have an appointment with my Rheumy on 8-24-11. I am having a flare right now, which as you know is just lovely, plus I am having trouble with a red itchy rash under my eyes. I have ruled out eye make-up, creams and medications already. My primary MD told me this was a possible indication of Lupus. Hope you are having a great summer. Stay cool in that Missouri heat and humidity! Take care of YOU!