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What Causes Rashes On Arms, Chest And Upper Back When On Methotrexate?
Question: 54 yr. 5'7 220 (I know loose wt) Female. I have fibromyalgia and psoriac *sp arthritis. I was taking Methotrexate and I am on HB meds. I developed red "rash" on my upper arms, chest, and upper back, sometimes on the inside of my legs. My dermotolgist had me stop taking the Methotrexate and they changed my BP meds, thinking I was having a reaction to these two meds. Well that didn't change anything, by the way ..... to me it feels like a bad sunburn under my skin feels hot, doesn't hurt to touch. So then he prescribed Tocromuls *sp ointment and prednisone, I have been on that for 4 days...no changes....I am uncomfortable and confused...any suggestions?
Brief Answer:
Photosensitivity; Sun protection and topical steroid cream
Detailed Answer:
Hello. Thank you for writing to us
I have gone through your query in detail and I have understood your concern.
The red rash seems to be a result of "photosensitivity", which is one of the side effects of methotrexate.
Distribution of rash on exposed body sites like upper arms, chest and upper back also goes in favor of photosensitivity.
Though, rash on inside of legs does not entirely conform with a photosensitivity distribution.
In addition to sun protection I suggest that you use a broad spectrum sunscreen with spf 50 or more, throughout the day.
Reapply sunscreen every 2-3 hours specially if you are moving outdoors.
I would like to substitute tacrolimus ointment with one of the topical steroid based cream e.g either mometasone furoate 0.1% Or clobetasol propionate 0.05% Or triamcinolone acetonide 0.1% Or betamethasone valerate 0.1% cream.
Tacrolimus ointment itself can cause a burning sensation or a slight smarting feeling on application. It may be discontinued.
You may continue with prednisone.
Regards
Photosensitivity; Sun protection and topical steroid cream
Detailed Answer:
Hello. Thank you for writing to us
I have gone through your query in detail and I have understood your concern.
The red rash seems to be a result of "photosensitivity", which is one of the side effects of methotrexate.
Distribution of rash on exposed body sites like upper arms, chest and upper back also goes in favor of photosensitivity.
Though, rash on inside of legs does not entirely conform with a photosensitivity distribution.
In addition to sun protection I suggest that you use a broad spectrum sunscreen with spf 50 or more, throughout the day.
Reapply sunscreen every 2-3 hours specially if you are moving outdoors.
I would like to substitute tacrolimus ointment with one of the topical steroid based cream e.g either mometasone furoate 0.1% Or clobetasol propionate 0.05% Or triamcinolone acetonide 0.1% Or betamethasone valerate 0.1% cream.
Tacrolimus ointment itself can cause a burning sensation or a slight smarting feeling on application. It may be discontinued.
You may continue with prednisone.
Regards
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
Answered by
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