Gina I would go to a dermatologist and have a skin biopsy that might tell you a little more. My dermatologist was the one who diagnosed my lupus before I went to the rheumatologist. I had two biopsies done first one she just to a sample of my skin where the rash was and then she did a punch after the first biopsy came out possible Lupus. She put me on Plaquenil until I could see a rheumatologist.

There are a handful of symptoms of autoimmune diseases that overlap. You mention only having the rash on your arms not your face. I have discoid lupus which affects my skin and joints. My rashes and lesions have mostly been on my hands, once on my torso, never on my face. IF you do indeed have lupus, it may be discoid, not systemic, although the treatment is the same. I know the wait feels so dreadful. I think the idea of changing your diet is a good idea. I have found that I’m gluten sensitive ( I break out in hives). Transitioning to a gluten free diet may help with inflammation, but it will also help you focus on something else while waiting for the appointment. Finding new foods, recipes, etc is interesting.

I was diagnosed with lupus . I have a butterfly rash. But i have no symptoms. So we are kinda in the same boat. I did supposly had a flare last week out of nowhere but i think it was just fatigue cause i work a 14 hour shift

I too had a punch biopsy to diagnose the lupus, then the dermatologist ordered an ANA saying if it was positive to see rheumatology as well. So I still keep my dermatologist in the loop but mainly see the rheumatologist

There are certain tests that are ran to confirm the diagnosis. There are so many vague symptoms, but the lab work is pretty accurate. Did the doctor who diagnosed you give you a prescription to start any medicine or any advice in the mean time? Were you diagnosed with systemic or discoid?