Autoimmune conditions may cause a rash because they trigger inflammation in skin cells….These are the most common autoimmune diseases that may cause rashes on your skin:

Joint pain and swelling are characteristic of the many different arthritis conditions including rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and gout. Skin rash can accompany some conditions that cause arthritis.

Contact Dermatitis This is a term for an allergic reaction that happens when an irritant or allergen comes into contact with the skin. Symptoms can include a rash, itching, blisters, or even a burning sensation in more severe cases.

• Lupus.
• Sjogren’s syndrome.
• Dermatomyositis.
• Psoriasis.
• Eczema.
• Hypothyroidism & myxedema.
• Celiac disease.
• Scleroderma.

Typically, a rash is red, raised, or bumpy. You may develop skin sensitivity or tenderness with the rash, or you may have itchiness without pain. In addition, a rash in fibromyalgia can cause a crawling sensation on the skin. If you also have dry skin, this can worsen itchiness and the rash.

The pain from fibromyalgia can be intense and constant. It can be severe enough to keep you home from work and other activities. In a National Health Interview Survey, 87 percent of participants reported having pain on most days or every day of their lives. Fibromyalgia can also cause intense emotional symptoms.

The pain of fibromyalgia is generally widespread, involving both sides of the body. Pain usually affects the neck, buttocks, shoulders, arms, the upper back, and the chest.

The American College of Rheumatology identified 18 “tender points” (9 pairs) on the body that can be very sensitive to touch for people with fibromyalgia. The pain has been described as burning, aching, stabbing, tingling, throbbing, soreness or numbness (loss of feeling).

Therefore, not surprisingly, ANA testing is frequently positive in patients with fibromyalgia. Consequently, the ANA alone is not a reliable tool for discriminating non- inflammatory conditions from autoimmune diseases.

Fibromyalgia is not an inflammatory condition. It is caused by abnormal sensory processing in the central nervous system. People with fibromyalgia may be extremely sensitive to pain and other unpleasant sensations.

However, people with fibromyalgia usually have tender areas over muscles, and pressing those areas causes discomfort. The examination of a person with lupus may reveal joint pain, stiffness, swelling or abnormal movement.

The common similarity between lupus and fibromyalgia is pain. In both diseases, pain can be exacerbated during flares of the condition. However, lupus symptoms show more visible distinctions. While both disorders can disrupt quality of life, lupus can pose more life-threatening complications.

Fibromyalgia can cause hormonal changes, affecting the levels of cortisol, leptin, serotonin and insulin. Just the slightest hormone imbalance can lead to weight gain, as they can cause increased hunger, slowed metabolism and fatigue.

It affects the brain and spinal cord, and it often gets worse over time. MS can permanently damage your nerves. Fibromyalgia causes pain and stiffness all over your body, along with other symptoms. Doctors aren’t sure what triggers it.

Other people experience fibromyalgia symptoms constantly, and find that it affects their daily life more severely. Some people may have mobility problems due to dizziness or balance issues, or find chores and personal care exhausting.

Fibromyalgia is a chronic disease that is often a lifelong condition. But fibromyalgia is not a progressive disease, meaning it will not get worse over time.

Tests

• Complete blood count.
• Erythrocyte sedimentation rate.
• Cyclic citrullinated peptide test.
• Rheumatoid factor.
• Thyroid function tests.
• Anti-nuclear antibody.
• Celiac serology.
• Vitamin D.