You are not alone. A few years ago, this same rash appeared on my upper arms. It has never left despite lots of continued treatment. An internist, allergist, cardiologist and dermatologist have all seen it, now, and they don't make a big to do about it (unfortunately not, cause I want it gone...yesterday!). Terms like livedo and poor circulation have been noted, but, that's about it.
I used to like the way my bare upper arms looked when wearing short sleeves or tanks, but, now I just feel terribly self conscious.
By any chance do you happen to have a strain of Babesia? Personally, I think it is a hypercoagulation issue. Hopefully, taking some enzymes to aid with biofilms/sludgey blood will help.
Remember, you are in similar company.
Try to hang in there. I know it's not always easy.
Told you...
Posted by map1131 (Member # 2022) on :
Randi, is it the chicken wire look they refer to?
Or is it the bartonella type rashes(not stretch marks) that so many describe having?
Bruising, I've been talking to doc about mine. Torso bruising. Just told him this morning that my research points to babesia which hangs out in RBC and is known for it's unusual bruising on patients.
Have you ever tested +++ for babs? I've been tested 4-5 times over the years and it's always negative. Just don't believe the testing.
Pam
Posted by randibear (Member # 11290) on :
I would describe them as just different colored blotchy areas irregular in shape not raised and doesn't itch.
I've got Bart. My doc said it was temperature changes. Ummm ok
And I've been asked if I was on blood thinners cause I bleed easily. When they take blood I just keep on bleeding and I end up with a huge black bruise.
Posted by jupiter76 (Member # 37697) on :
for me it`s bart. it increases when bart is hit and then decreases after months of treatment. for me flagyl and tinidazol made it almost go away. if i restart flagyl after a break it returns but much less as it was ever before treatment.
Posted by lymeinhell (Member # 4622) on :
I still have this, after 9 years of remission. I I so hate it, so spend plenty of time tan so I can hide it. People often think it's sunburn in the summer (and it isn't).
Welcome to A.C.A.
Posted by randibear (Member # 11290) on :
Yes it does only smaller areas alternated with purplish areas.
Don't know why husband can't see it. Plain as the nose on your face.
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
Uh oh.. I may have the ACA... does it itch?
Posted by randibear (Member # 11290) on :
Mine doesn't. Jus very unsightly however my arms and legs are very dry.
Posted by map1131 (Member # 2022) on :
Randi & others, in these skin patches do you have any hard nodules that go with the rash cycle? My hard nodules are pea size.
Pam
Posted by randibear (Member # 11290) on :
No but I have lumpy muscles.
Posted by lymeinhell (Member # 4622) on :
Mine does not itch. And although I am always warm, the back of my arms feels cold to the touch. I also have the dark purple splotch by my right ankle that I saw in those pictures (like a 70 yr old man and I'm in my 40's). And my hands look like I'm 70 too.