|  | Conditions Treatments | Medical Conditions

Rash & Joint Pain

When a rash or joint pain occur alone they often indicate common medical problems. But when they occur together, they may indicate a more serious medical problem. A rash can be flat or raised, it can take on a number of shapes and sizes, it can be confined to one area of the body or spread and it is most often red. Joint pain can range from mild to severe in intensity.

  1. Lyme Disease

    • Lyme disease is transmitted by infected ticks. According to the Mayo Clinic, it is a bacterial infection with symptoms that can include rash, joint pain, fever and chills, weakness, joint swelling and temporary paralysis. This condition is treated with antibiotics.

    Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

    • Systemic lupus erythematosus is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease. According to the Mayo Clinic, this condition can affect any part of the body. The most common symptoms are fatigue, rash, joint pain, fever, mouth sores, stiff and swollen joints and weight changes. This condition is most often treated with medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids, antimalarial drugs and immunosuppressive drugs.

    Dermatomyositis

    • Dermatomyositis is a rare inflammatory disease characterized by a distinctive skin rash and muscle weakness. According to the Mayo Clinic, the most common symptoms include rash, joint pain, trouble swallowing, progressive muscle weakness, muscle pain, fever, fatigue, muscle tenderness, weight loss and lung problems. Drugs are the most common form of treatment for this condition. Commonly used drugs include corticosteroids, pain relievers and antimalarial drugs. Other treatments include immunosuppressive therapy and antibody therapy.

    Psoriatic Arthritis

    • Psoriatic arthritis is sometimes diagnosed in patients with psoriasis. According to the Mayo Clinic, the most common symptoms include stiff, swollen and painful joints. When the patient has a psoriasis flair, he will also experience a rash. Medications are the most common form of treatment and the medications used include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs, corticosteroids, immunosuppressants and TNF-Alpha inhibitors.

    Rheumatoid Arthritis

    • Rheumatoid arthritis is characterized by severe inflammation that often leads to joint damage and pain. According to the Mayo Clinic, this condition can ultimately lead to deformed joints. The other symptoms of this condition can include fever, rash and fatigue. Rheumatoid arthritis can be treated with medications and surgery. The medications used can include steroids, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, immunosuppressants, disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs, TNF-Alpha inhibitors, Anakinra, Rituximab, and Abatacept.

Medical Conditions - Related Articles