What Causes Rash On Back Along With Joint Pain?

Posted on Thu, 2 Oct 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 2 Oct 2014 Answered on

Sat, 25 Oct 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : Well I need someone to talk me off the ledge. My 21 year old son away at college developed mild to moderate joint pain (it acually started in his foot), then traveled to knee, ankle and sometimes fingers. Went to school clinic. She noticed a small rash cluster on his back and thought it was Lyme. Treated for one week Meanwhile rash grew until covered entire chest, large pink oval or circular shapes and back too. Nothing on face or neck or leg. Did not itch.. He followed up at an infectious disease specialist, who tested for Lyme, among many other things and of course general blood tests. Everything came back normal/ except one marker indicating significant inflammation. Doctor thought probably a viral infection that would run it's course but referred him to dermatologist to look at rash. His apt. there is in one week. He had about a week of complete disappearance of rash and joint pain. Then rash came back with the joint pain-always together. Went back to infectious disease guy and he took more blood, retested for Lyme. He also thought rash resembled ptyriarosea (sp) so tested for herpes as well. Again, everything came back normal, except still evidence of inflammation (joints I assume) The herpes test will not be back till Friday so do not know about that. I should say that otherwise he really is not sick. His joint pain is almost completely controlled by Ibuprofon and he is going to classes, walking a lot, texting al the time so he is fully functional and feels otherwise okay He says the rash tends to worsen then recede. When it recedes it appearance changes and almost looks like hives. so what are your thoughts? Could it be an autoimmune thing. My first thought was rheumatoid arthritis but please know his joints are not red, hot or swollen. Maybe another autoimmune disease. Lupus does not fit, no butterfly rash, facial rash or other symptoms. He is just focused on his studies I am the worried mom. Any help is welcome!!

Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (59 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Can be a viral rash.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
I have seen the attached images. The rash associated with joint pain is likely to be related to a viral infection. This is not due to rheumatoid arthritis or Lupus.
In most of the viral infections the rash starts after the fever subsides, may spread to the whole body or peak for a couple of days and then gradually subside on its own in few days to a week.
The rash might be associated with itching and may respond to antihistamine drugs like cetrizine or hydroxyzine.

The other possibilities though unlikely in this case could be a drug reaction to any medicines taken or bacterial sepsis.These are usually more severe and require prompt treatment.

In your son they are not likely as he has no associated symptoms now.

But if there is any new symptom like bleeding, pain, pus discharge, breathing difficulty then please consult a physician for confirmation of diagnosis .

I hope this answers your query.
In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Praveen Tayal.
For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Praveen-Tayal

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

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (48 minutes later)

Thank you for your response.can a viral infection causing joint pain and rash last 4 weeks and fade and recur on and of a bit. It seems 4 weeks is a long time. But you doubt it is auto immune? Thanks again Should he visit the rheumatologist, take ibuprofon and wait it out?
You do not think he is in any immediate dange?. I am so worried

Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (7 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Can wait to subside.

Detailed Answer:
Hello.
Thanks for writing again.
Viral infection can cause a lasting rash even it can extend for 6-8 weeks. Autoimmune cause is less likely. He can take ibuprofen and let it subside spontaneously. There is no immediate danger.
Hope my answer is helpful.
Do accept my answer in case there are no further queries.
Regards.

Note: For further information on diet changes to reduce allergy symptoms or to boost your immunity, Ask here.

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