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ITCHING...I have ITCHING only on my arms both from my shoulders down to the wrists and when I rub or scratch it leaves dark purple blotches

A myRAteam Member asked a question 💭
Billings, MT

What does this mean? Looks like something out of horror movie. I Have to wear long sleeves to hide it makes everyone feel embarrassed

February 27
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A myRAteam Member

Did the itching start after a high gluten intake?

February 27
myRAteam

What could be causing itching on your arms with dark purple blotches when you scratch?

The dark purple blotches you're seeing after scratching could be a sign of something serious called cutaneous vasculitis (also known as rheumatoid vasculitis). This is a complication of RA where blood vessels become inflamed, and it Show Full Answer

What could be causing itching on your arms with dark purple blotches when you scratch?

The dark purple blotches you're seeing after scratching could be a sign of something serious called cutaneous vasculitis (also known as rheumatoid vasculitis). This is a complication of RA where blood vessels become inflamed, and it typically appears as a purplish rash on the skin.

This is considered an emergency situation with RA. You should contact your rheumatologist right away to get this checked out. The purple discoloration, especially when it appears after scratching or rubbing, needs immediate medical attention.

Other symptoms that might accompany cutaneous vasculitis include:
- Numbness or tingling in the affected area
- Lack of sensation
- In severe cases, skin ulcers may develop

Please don't wait to reach out to your doctor about this. While itching can have various causes with RA (like medication side effects or inflammation), the purple blotches are a red flag that needs prompt evaluation.

February 27
A myRAteam Member

Do you have Lupus? I know lupus can cause this type of reaction. Meanwhile lupus and RA have similar symptoms. It is not unheard of to have both. I definitely would recommend seeing your rheumatologist and have a check up. It could be valiculitis, a side effect of a medication etc.

February 27
A myRAteam Member

Karen,
I agree with the myRA team. It could be vasculitis. I would follow up with the rheumatologist if it keeps happening. I do have problems with itchy arms. It drives me crazy. I use cold compresses, anti-itch cream and try to avoid scratching. You will get open sores that will be hard to heal. I also use coconut oil that makes it harder to scratch and wear compression gloves

February 27
A myRAteam Member

Karen as we age we lose the layer of fat in our arms and even the scratching can cause what is called pupera I am 67 and I have the usual dry itchy skin and scratching hard or pressing your arms against something or dogs scratching among other acts can cause this pupura. We do not have the layer of fat tissue any longer due to loss of collagen related to autoimmune perhaps definitely is normal aging process. I am with a dermatologist now. He has a cream for this type of bruising I use twice a day. It does help reduce the bruising yes. This is only a suggestion because I am going through the same issue. I was recommended a Dermatologist

February 27 (edited)

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