Have you ever wondered if unusual skin symptoms like persistent itching and unexplained bruising could be connected to your lupus diagnosis? Several members of MyLupusTeam have been experiencing these symptoms and share their stories, offering a supportive platform to navigate this part of their lupus journey. Read on to find out if you share similar symptoms and how to manage them.

One member mentioned, “I will scratch my side, just a little itch, and it’s very painful! It’s as if I touched a very bad bruise, but it’s not blue, black, or purple at all … it’s in all different places, like my back, side, shoulder, thigh, hip, and calf. There’s no visual evidence of any bruising. And the next day, it’s gone. Once in a while, it may be in the same spot for two days in a row, but that’s rare. … This has started to concern me,” they explained.

Others with lupus have spotted bruises but don’t remember getting hurt. “I have bruises all over my legs. I don’t know where they are coming from. It worries me,” said another member.

There are several possible explanations for these symptoms. Sometimes, adjusting your medication or trying different skin care strategies can help.

One MyLupusTeam member suggested, “Bruises are common with lupus and also as a side effect of the many medications we have to take. Take some pictures and contact your doctor to make sure it’s nothing more serious.”

Here’s more background on why you may have mysterious itching or bruising and what you can do about it.

How Lupus Can Affect Your Skin

Skin symptoms of lupus can include mouth sores, skin discoloration, hair loss, and itchy rashes on various parts of the body. Some people develop a butterfly-shaped rash over the bridge of the nose and cheeks, known as a malar rash.

Others get circular sores on the scalp, arms, or neck — these are typical symptoms of a type of lupus called discoid lupus. Skin signs of lupus can show up unexpectedly, and they may or may not be painful.

Experts from Johns Hopkins Lupus Center estimate that 50 percent of people with lupus have photosensitivity. Natural sunlight and artificial lighting can produce sunburn-like symptoms and activate other lupus symptoms.

In terms of skin symptoms that cause itching, 1 in 10 people with lupus get hives. Hives are usually associated with an allergic reaction. However, hives lasting 24 hours or longer are probably the result of the autoimmune disease lupus itself.

Bruises are not considered a typical skin symptom of lupus, but members of MyLupusTeam report that they experience bruising.

Coexisting Health Conditions

The experience of itching or bruising easily with lupus could be from related health conditions or comorbidities — having more than one condition at the same time. Conditions like fibromyalgia, immune thrombocytopenia, and allergies may cause itching or bruising. Dermatologic conditions like eczema cause itchy skin. If you have lupus, you might also have one of these or another medical condition that’s causing your skin symptoms.

One MyLupusTeam member described their situation: “I wanted to ask if anyone is experiencing skin issues that feel like you are being stung by bees all over your back and itching from head to feet. It comes when I start moving around, or I get warm, or the sun is on me. My doctors do not know what it is, but they said it’s not related to lupus.”

One member responded, “That sounds more like fibromyalgia, and I know because that’s exactly what I have.”

In another thread, one MyLupusTeam member shared, “I was also diagnosed with immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) on the same day I was diagnosed with lupus. That’s why I bruise so easily.”

Others have reported that a change in the weather causes their itching, perhaps due to dry skin or allergies.

When you have lupus, it can seem like every symptom you experience might be caused by this one diagnosis. But it’s important to remember that other coexisting health conditions might be part of the story. Involving other specialists, like a dermatologist or allergist, can help offer a new perspective on your symptoms.

Health care providers that specialize in dermatology can discuss various treatment and management options with you if symptoms like itching become unbearable. They can also perform tests to understand if you have a comorbid skin disease like eczema or psoriasis.

Lupus Medication Side Effects

People with lupus often take multiple medications to manage different symptoms. Lupus medications have various targets, such as reducing joint pain, decreasing inflammation, protecting against organ damage, regulating the immune system, and lowering the risk of blood clots.

Unfortunately, some lupus medications can also come with serious side effects, like kidney disease, high blood pressure, weight loss, stomach ulcers, and skin problems. Monitoring for possible side effects is essential to keep you safe while treating lupus.

“I bruise easily as well. Bruising easily is a side effect of many of the medications they use to treat lupus. This is why your doctor watches your white count closely,” explained a MyLupusTeam member.

Another member explained, “I have systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Between warfarin (Coumadin), hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil), and prednisone, bruising is just one of those ‘learn to live with it’ things for me. I take vitamin C, and that has definitely helped keep it at bay.”

Some lupus medications are meant to help treat lupus skin symptoms. For instance, antimalarial medications like hydroxychloroquine ease pain and inflammation while also preventing lupus-related skin issues. If you’re required to take steroids for lupus, switching your medication from a pill or injection to a skin cream or gel can also help treat skin problems.

When it comes to lupus medications, you may have more options than you think. That’s why it’s important to talk to your doctor or pharmacist to better understand how your body responds to different medications.

Tips for Managing Itching and Bruising With Lupus

On MyLupusTeam, members discussing skin symptoms have reached out for advice in dealing with unexplained itching and bruising.

One member wrote, “I go through periods of random intense itching and bruising. Sometimes they coincide, and sometimes they do not. I know blood thinners and prednisone can make you bruise. However, I am currently only on baby aspirin and no prednisone. I get bruises without bumping into anything or getting injured. Bruises will also form after intense itching. I am careful not to claw myself during the itching but do catch myself rubbing the area. Any input is welcome.”

Others offered helpful tips, including:

• Apply compression — “If I apply compression, the itching stops. I now keep compression sleeves or legs with me everywhere I go. Next time you have an itch, try compression on the area.”
• Use ice — “I have discovered that I can put ice on the spots that itch so bad. I go to the fridge and put ice in a plastic bag. I put the ice directly on the spot that itches, and the itching goes away.”

Another member wasn’t sure how to prevent itching but noticed some triggers that made the problem worse. “I haven’t found anything to help,” they said. “But I do notice that sun exposure and exercise really set it off!”

Protecting your skin against ultraviolet light and cold temperatures can help prevent lupus-related skin flare-ups. You can also ask your health care provider about additional testing, like a skin biopsy or blood test, to determine other possible causes of itching and bruising. If you suspect that a lupus medication may be part of the problem, find out if you can try a different brand, dosage, or treatment option.

To live your best life with lupus, you’ll need to openly talk to your health care team about any uncomfortable or embarrassing symptoms. Don’t hesitate to discuss solutions that may make your life better. By sharing your experiences, you can work together with your health care team to find personalized approaches that improve your overall well-being. Remember, you’re not alone in facing lupus-related challenges like itching, bruising, and other skin issues. Seeking support from others who have gone through similar experiences can bring a sense of unity and provide helpful advice on managing these symptoms.

Talk With Others Who Understand

MyLupusTeam is the social network for people with lupus and their loved ones. On MyLupusTeam, more than 222,000 people with lupus come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories.

Do you experience itching and bruising with lupus? How do you manage it, and what treatment options have you explored? Post your thoughts in the comments below, or start a conversation by sharing on MyLupusTeam.