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What Causes Sudden Lower Leg Pain And Itchy Rashes?

Posted on Wed, 22 Apr 2015

Question: saturday, i shaved my legs and underarms and bikini area. 1 hr later i tanned. 2 hours later i got a deep ache in both knee joints radiating to my ankle joints. 20 min later i noticed a rash developing from my knees to ankles. the joint pain was so severe i took a tylenol 3 and two ibuprofens. the joint pain subsided...now i still have a rash with severe itching. what could this be? i have symptoms of arthritis but could this cause a rash? ive read lupus and uv light causing lupus flare ups. idk what to do or who to turn to.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
It is probably contact dermatitis.

Detailed Answer:
Hi, I have gone through your question and understand your concerns.

Your symptoms are most probably related to contact dermatitis, or red and itchy skin after the contact with certain substances.

This condition worsened and arthritis symptoms that caused you joint pain.

I don't think it is Lupus, uv light may have a role in this condition.

Treatment consists mainly in identifying offending substacne and avoiding it.

Steroids creams help improve symptoms.

I suggest you to discuss with a Dermatologist your concerns, possiblity of patch tests to identify the cause and treatment options.

Hope this answers your question. If you have additional questions or follow up questions then please do not hesitate in writing to us. I will be happy to answer your questions.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Pradeep Vitta

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (5 hours later)

hmmm ...i havent done anything outside of my normal routine. during this episode, ive been having stomach pain, extreme fatigue..i slept 16 hours the following day, and painful urination. i tried a steroid creme prescription and it did not help

Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (6 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Your condition could be related to liver dysfunction too.

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX.

This new information you provide, makes me think about liver disease ( probably autoimmune hepatitis), and celiac disease ( gluten intolerance), the last one less possible because usually starts during childhood.

lt is true also that certain diseases manifest with skin disorders like yours, so a Dermatologist evaluation is needed to determine whether the contact dermatitis is caused by a offending substance or is predisposed by other conditions.

Hope I helped you. Wishing you good health.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (44 hours later)

my blood work came back....my alt was 77 and asp was 36. im really scared. ive been tested for hepatitis and everything recently, it was all negative. i just had a baby. i took tylenol 3s for my joint pain during pregnancy. my grandpa died from cirrosis and never drank. should i get a liver biopsy? im suppose to go back in 2 weeks for a liver function test and hepatitis. would auto immune hepatitis make the hepatitis test come back positive?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
You should wait about liver biopsy.

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX.

Sorry to hear you're scared, but I think you need to calm down.

Function liver tests may have resulted elevated by Paracetamol use, so you should wait for liver biopsy.

Another examination to evaluate liver ( especially cirrhosis) is liver and abdominal ultrasound.

Hepatitis test measures or links to antibodies created against viral infection, so should result negative if there was no viral infection.

Your condition should be followed periodically by liver function tests and ultrasound.

If any doubt during this follow up, then you could have liver biopsy done.

Hope I helped you.
Wishing you good health.

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. Prasad