HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

Biopsy Done On Face. Have Butterfly Rash, Swallowing Difficulty And Muscle Weakness. What Is Wrong?

default
Posted on Fri, 26 Apr 2013
Question: Hello, I have recently received 2 biopsies from my face - one indicating osteoma cutis 9 purportedly quite rare and once suggestive of dermatomyositis. Both were taken via the punch method and when I had a rash on my face. I also have had over 15 episodes of vasodilation triggered by the sun when I have blood pressure readings in the range of 60 over 42 and I begin to go into shock accompanied by tachycardia. I have muscle weakness and my right upper arm muscle is atrophying and is visibly getting smaller. I had an electromyography that indicated early recruitment in my right arm. I cannot hold my arms up long enough to blow my hair dry because of weakness - then I have to bring them down. I itch all the time. Nodules on the underside of my feet. Blisters on the top of my knuckles and hands that look like spider bites. Pustules on my arms, back, face, scalp (blisters and scales) wrist and ankle pain as well as many kinds of fluorescent lights are also a trigger for an attack.
Also have difficulty with swallowing from time to time - especially after sun exposure. Recently, my left thumb became very flaccid in the MCP joint. And most alarming I an developing devits in my nose and forehead. I live in a small town and the doctor is puzzled after all the tests. With my permission, he invoked a sun triggered attack while my husband was present and I vasodilated and had tachycardia after 7 minutes and headed into shock. The doctor had to keep me on his examining table for over an hour while I stabilized. . After sun exposure I have very painful stomach problems. The rash has a butterfly appearance on my face but the other breakout is more like a "bite" appearance on my arms, back and face. I do have purple discoloration on my forehead, hands and feet. I have had a CPK that was normal. Does this constellation of symptoms indicate anything to you. Any help would be appreciated as he says whatever this is is life threatening to me and now I have epipens at all times. I am going to go to the city and he is trying to find the right specialist but is sure to whom I should be referred.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Sudarshan (24 hours later)
Hi ,
Thanks for writing in.
The symptoms like butterfly rash, photosensitivity,difficulty in swallowing,skin rashes ,muscle weakness all point towards autoimmune dermatomyositis, systemic sclerosis or mixed connective tissue disease.
These are common in females.The condition usually have overlapping features and diagnosis can be determined only after extensive testing.
The best specialist to deal with all your symptoms would be immunologist or rheumatologist.
You will need basic investigations like complete blood counts,renal function test,ESR etc.
Also few other investigations like muscle biopsy, XXXXXXX test, dsDNA ,anti Ro,anti XXXXXXX anti centromere etc.Also a lung function test would be useful.
If you can post the images of affected skin ,it would be of great help in predicting the condition.
Hope this helps.
I would be available for follow up.
Regards
DrSudarshan
MD
Dermatologist
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Sudarshan

Dermatologist

Practicing since :2005

Answered : 1385 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
Biopsy Done On Face. Have Butterfly Rash, Swallowing Difficulty And Muscle Weakness. What Is Wrong?

Hi ,
Thanks for writing in.
The symptoms like butterfly rash, photosensitivity,difficulty in swallowing,skin rashes ,muscle weakness all point towards autoimmune dermatomyositis, systemic sclerosis or mixed connective tissue disease.
These are common in females.The condition usually have overlapping features and diagnosis can be determined only after extensive testing.
The best specialist to deal with all your symptoms would be immunologist or rheumatologist.
You will need basic investigations like complete blood counts,renal function test,ESR etc.
Also few other investigations like muscle biopsy, XXXXXXX test, dsDNA ,anti Ro,anti XXXXXXX anti centromere etc.Also a lung function test would be useful.
If you can post the images of affected skin ,it would be of great help in predicting the condition.
Hope this helps.
I would be available for follow up.
Regards
DrSudarshan
MD
Dermatologist