Why Am I Experiencing Unilateral Piloerection In Outside Of Thighs And Underarms?

Posted on Wed, 4 Dec 2013

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

Wed, 4 Dec 2013 Answered on

Fri, 27 Dec 2013 Last reviewed on

Question : I am 59, female, 140 lbs, with pulmonary lymphangioleiomyomatosis, currently taking rapamune 2 mg to stall the disease. fev1 is 62%. In may i discovered a solitary pulm nodule, 1.8cm with speculated margins on CT. Recent PET scan was nonspecific for changes, maybe 2cm in size RML. I take pravastatin, lisinopril, Zyrtec D, calcium, CQ10, vitamins, no herbals and use travatan and dorzolamide for elevated eye pressures. PRNs are advil, flexural, norco for back pain. I am a heme onc nurse in Milwaukee, WI and travel to Europe and Central XXXXXXX Mexico often, hike in Arizona with oxygen, snorkel. I have started having episodes of piloerection in the early am hours that last a few seconds each time but occur often until I get up.The sensation is sometimes unilateral, but not always, and occurs on the outside of my thighs and upper arms. No fever, no cough, no sweating. Who should I see about this. All my cultures through BAL are negative for fungus etc.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Yogesh D (1 hour later)

Brief Answer: A dermatologist would be ideal. Detailed Answer: Hello, Thanks for choosing XXXXXXX I have carefully gone through your question, and I suggest you consult a dermatologist for your problem, as the problem you are describing pertains mainly to skin and its appendages. The most common culprits among medicines are alpha1 adrenoceptor agonists, and others which have this action. So if you could write back to me with the active compounds in each of the medicines you have listed, I can check if any of them have alpha agonist action. I hope this answers your question, you are welcome to ask for clarifications if need be. Wishing you good health. Best regards,

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