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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.

What is a RA rash

A myRAteam Member asked a question 💭

Med reaction or RA rash?

June 18
 · 
Reactions
myRAteam

Great question — and honestly, it can be tricky to tell the difference! RA rashes can come from the disease itself *or* from the medications used to treat it.

Rashes caused by RA itself are considered "extra-articular" symptoms, meaning RA is affecting areas beyond the joints. Common types include:

- Palmar erythema – Show Full Answer

Great question — and honestly, it can be tricky to tell the difference! RA rashes can come from the disease itself *or* from the medications used to treat it.

Rashes caused by RA itself are considered "extra-articular" symptoms, meaning RA is affecting areas beyond the joints. Common types include:

- Palmar erythema – reddened palms, usually not itchy or painful
- Eczema – intensely itchy, red or purple rash
- Rheumatoid vasculitis – inflammation of blood vessels that can cause a rash
- Sweet's syndrome – painful, blistering rash (uncommon but serious)
- Pyoderma gangrenosum – ulcerative rash with bluish borders (also uncommon but serious)

Rashes from RA tend to flare alongside other RA symptoms. Rashes caused by RA medications are also very common. Medications that may trigger rashes or itching include:

- Methotrexate – known to cause rashes and itching
- Biologics (like Humira) – some members report rashes that stopped once the medication was discontinued
- JAK inhibitors (like Rinvoq) – itching is a common side effect

A myRAteam member shared, "I would randomly develop rashes on my knees and shoulders when I was on Humira. The rashes stopped once I stopped Humira."

If a rash appeared shortly after starting or changing a medication, it may be a drug reaction. Either way, it's really important to contact your doctor right away, especially if the rash is painful, blistering, or spreading.

June 18
A myRAteam Member

Tony, you are your best advocate! Have you been to a dermatologist for this rash? I see one every year or sooner if needed. Don't wait for the doctors to refer you to someone. Tell the rheumy that you want a referral to a dermatologist. If he doesn't ask the PCP. Some insurances you don't need a referral.

June 20
A myRAteam Member

You are right

June 20
A myRAteam Member

Carol,
I wonder if I have coexisting issues along with my RA. I communicate all of this to my rheumatologist, as well as pcp. The Rheumatologist just prescribes different meds, and says there is always others. The pcp says discuss it with the rheumatologist. I switched rheumatologist briefly and after 1 appointment decided the one I had was better than the new consult.It seems the only help to communicate what I’m going through is here. Thanks for listening to my ranting. Hope you are having a good day😊

June 19
A myRAteam Member

I have to Granuloma Annulare which is a mixed connective tissue disease. Autoimmune condition. Then I've had granulomas in my mouth and big hive rashes. Mix between what looks like a bite but all over. That was when I was taking Teyenne.

June 18

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