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Real members of myRAteam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Could RA cause a skin rash. I often have that overall itchy feeling. But at night I wake up scratching this rash raw.

A myRAteam Member asked a question 💭
Round Rock, TX
November 29, 2025
 · 
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myRAteam

Are you experiencing a skin rash with rheumatoid arthritis?

Skin rashes are quite common with RA, affecting over 1,000 members of the community. These rashes can vary in appearance and severity, from mild redness to more serious conditions requiring immediate attention.

Common RA-related rashes include:

* Palmar erythema Show Full Answer

Are you experiencing a skin rash with rheumatoid arthritis?

Skin rashes are quite common with RA, affecting over 1,000 members of the community. These rashes can vary in appearance and severity, from mild redness to more serious conditions requiring immediate attention.

Common RA-related rashes include:

* Palmar erythema - Reddened palms that occur in almost 60% of people with RA. This usually affects both hands, feels slightly warm, and typically isn't painful or itchy.

* Rheumatoid vasculitis - A purplish rash that appears when blood vessels become inflamed. This can develop into skin ulcers on the legs in severe cases and may be accompanied by numbness or tingling.

* Eczema - An intensely itchy, red or purple rash that appears more frequently in people with RA.

* Sweet's syndrome and pyoderma gangrenosum - Rare but serious conditions causing painful, blistering, or ulcerative rashes.

Medication side effects can also cause itching or rashes. DMARDs like methotrexate, biologics, and JAK inhibitors such as Rinvoq may trigger these symptoms.

A myRAteam member shared, "I have a horrible rash that flares up at times on both arms," while another noted, "When I'm in a bad RA flare, my rash gets worse and has blisters."

If you notice symptoms of vasculitis, Sweet's syndrome, or pyoderma gangrenosum, contact your rheumatologist immediately as these require urgent medical attention.

November 29, 2025
A myRAteam Member

I only have very dry skin if it is itching there are over the counter treatments you can try or ask your rheumatologist for help if it is scratched so much

November 30, 2025
A myRAteam Member

I break out with a red rash right before a flare. It is usually on my back and. shoulders. The areas become sores sometimes.

November 29, 2025
A myRAteam Member

Check your soap or body wash. I used to have whelps started in the shower. Try hydrocortisone or Benadryl after your bath. I use to take Claritin Zyrtec or oral Benadryl about 30 minutes before my bath if the meds make you dizzy use a shower chair or bedside commode in the shower. Tell a family member when you take a shower or stay on the phone while in the shower. My.favorite color is red. My family tried to kill me buying red towels. If it is a dye wash your towels with a detergent for sensitive skin and put distilled white vinegar in the rinse cycle you will be surprised what allergies jump on us. I took allergy shots for five years until I developed blood clots. No more of that . Keep journaling. You will narrow it down soon. I am sensitive to red and yellow dye. Good luck on your quest. The things that we try to stay comfortable with——- it’s a rat race. It makes me upset because I can’t eat red jello or drink red liquids. And guess what they put on my meal trays at the hospital. SMH.

December 16, 2025
A myRAteam Member

Hi Lindarrtx, you're very welcome.. I hope you are doing well. The holidays are hear, and I'm sure not ready! How about you.. Have a good week ok?

December 15, 2025

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