Skin Infections With Joint Pain

The presence of both joint pain and skin infections may indicate an underlying medical condition. However, the presence of both joint pain and skin infections may be unrelated. Only a physician will be able to determine the significance of the two symptoms.

Significance

• A combination of skin infections and joint pain could be coincidental and nonrelated or the two together could be symptoms of one condition. Conditions that cause both skin infections and joint pain include: aspergillosis (fungal infection), borreliosis (tic-borne bacterial infection), group A streptococcal infections, staph infections, psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, scabies (mite skin infection), shingles, scleroderma, syphillis and tuberculosis.

Features

• Skin infections vary depending on the cause. However, warning signs of skin infections may include painful skin, redness, warmth, skin swelling and the presence of puss or drainage.

  Joint pain may occur only when moving a joint or it may be constant. In severe cases, pain may prevent any use of the joint.

Considerations

• Seek medical treatment when a skin condition becomes bothersome and painful or lasts for more than a few days. Also, seek medical treatment when joint pain limits daily activities. If the joint cannot be used and swells suddenly, medical attention is warranted.

Identification

• Physicians may diagnose the skin condition and joint pain based solely on a physical exam. However, additional testing may be required. Such testing may include blood tests and skin biopsies.

Prevention/Solution

• Treatment plans will vary depending on the underlying medical condition. The skin may be treated with topical medications or with oral antibiotics. The joint pain may be treated with over-the-counter pain medications or prescription pain medications. Other medications may be needed to treat any conditions causing the skin and joint symptoms.