In addition to psoriatic arthritis; Lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, dermatomyositis or Raynaud’s Syndrome are some examples of diseases with rheumatic signs on the skin.
By: Maria Camila Sanchez
April 14, 2024
In Puerto Rico and the United States, the effects of the fur that develop in patients with joint conditions constitute the first reason for consulting rheumatologists. An example of this is psoriatic arthritis, an arthritic condition that affects patients of psoriasis.
“As rheumatologists we must always understand that fur has a very important relationship with the joints,” argued Dr. Guillermo Valenzuela, rheumatologist and past president of the Florida Society of Rheumatology, exclusively for Medicine and Public Health Magazine.
Relationship between skin and joints
Rheumatological diseases produce inflammation as a consequence of autoimmune mechanisms, of this connective tissue. The fur It is usually one of the main organs affected by these diseases, and the lesions they present are often the first key sign of their diagnosis.
“For us as rheumatologists, the fur It gives us the opportunity to make diagnoses for something that is happening inside,” he mentioned.
Other clear examples of this relationship are the Raynaud’s syndrome, Still’s disease, vasculitis, urticaria or cutaneous signs of lupus such as rash or alopecia, and we must keep in mind that most of these conditions are autoimmune in nature.
In turn, Dr. Oscar Soto-Raíces, rheumatologist and president of the FER Foundation, recalled the importance of periodically seeing a specialist in the event of the sudden appearance of lesions or marks on the fur.
“Always remember that this evaluation of something new that comes out in the fur it is important and can give us a lot of information.”
Systemic diseases and skin manifestations
Now, it is important to keep in mind that the fur It has a double ectomesodermal embryological origin, so it is related to all the organs and systems of the body.
In the case of skin rashes associated with rheumatoid arthritis, the medical literature indicates that this reaction is due to inflammation of the blood vessels. They often present as red patches of different sizes, a feeling of pain, swelling of the fur and itching.
However, in more advanced cases, the rash rheumatoid arthritis can form ulcers or lesions.
Skin nodules
They are solid bumps that form just below the fur, which vary in size. They usually appear in areas of the body with muscle or bone.
Nodules generally do not cause pain, although they can be treated directly to reduce their size. In rare cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the nodule, especially if it is infected.
Urticaria y Livedo Reticularis
Some people who suffer rheumatoid arthritis may experience chronic or recurrent hives on the fur. Although it resembles a rash caused by medications, hives can develop without the influence of medications. Allergists have identified unexplained hives as a symptom associated with rheumatoid arthritis.
On the other hand, livedo reticularis is a skin condition that is occasionally related to rheumatoid arthritis. Although it is not common, some research suggests that certain underlying conditions could trigger this condition.
Livedo reticularis is usually considered a harmless rash that appears or is accentuated in cold climates. This phenomenon occurs due to spasms in the blood vessels, which generate a pattern of purple, net-like lines on the fur.
Additionally, livedo reticularis can cause other complications, such as ulcers, painful nodules, and discoloration. It could also indicate the presence of peripheral vascular disease or the formation of clots in the blood vessels.
Sources of complementary information here and here.