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Facial rash and upcoming Remicade infusion

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 2/20/2012 4:35 AM (GMT 0)
I am HIGHLY prone to rashes. I get them very easily and over what? - not a clue! I do have psoriasis, mainly on my forehead and down my ears however that has been controlled for the past 6 years from my 6mp. I also have Rosacea and perioral dermatitis but these two have disappeared for some odd reason, literally overnight after suffering with it for 4 years. - Go figure!

A few days ago, I started getting the scaling or very dry skin on my right cheek bone, just in front of my ear and down along to my jaw line. It's been sort of itchy but I try not to scratch it. This morning I took a shower and instead of being a dry itchy patch, it has turned red, spotty, extremely itchy, it sort of burns and has spread to about 3" out from my ear.

I have a Remicade infusion schedule for this Wednesday and I don't want to postpone it. So I guess what I want to know is, has anyone ever had a rash, had their infusion and did fine?

If it's still there tomorrow, I will call my GI and see what he says. Like I said, I am really prone to rashes and I would hate to postpone my Remi in the event it turns out to be just another "regular" rash of mine.
Posted 2/20/2012 7:22 AM (GMT 0)
Hmmm, is it painful....have you put anythink on it as of yet (question mark)..for some reason my keyboard wont allow a question mark or apostrophe..É è sheesh

Any new products youve used, etc..

Im hoping its not anything like shingles...
q
Posted 2/20/2012 1:05 PM (GMT 0)
No, it's not shingles or anything like that. Actually I was fearing cellulitis. But I put some Elidel cream on it last night and it seems to be better this morning. I doubt if it was cellulitis that Elidel would've touched it.

I gave up a long time ago why my rashes happen. There is absolutely NO rhyme nor reason why they crop up.

I hope you get that ? mark fixed soon! lol
Posted 2/20/2012 7:20 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Sherry....yep, it's fixed. I obviously pressed alt or ctrl instead of shift and it's screwed for the rest of the session. I have to investigate how to fix or just click out of things and back on...sigh..lol.

yikes! cellulitis is a not so good possibility either. good that the Elidel helped, so seems it was a mystery rash/eczema after all.

Definitely keep an eye on it and continue with the Elidel for a few days.

I bet your medicine cabinet is verrrry interesting!?!..;-)

q
Posted 4/27/2012 2:14 AM (GMT 0)

I was diagnosed with UC in 1999.  After on again off again prednisone to control flares, I am now on Remicade.  First infusion was in November 2011.

Since my third infusion in January 2012 I have had a red flakey rash around my mouth (not itchy) and on my rear end (sometimes VERY itchy).  I have tried hyrdocortisone cream and now my GP has me on an antifungal cream but nothing works.  Sometimes the rash fades a bit and sometimes it is bright red.  I get little red bumps sometimes too.

I was getting infusions every 8 weeks but I kept flaring so am having them every 5 weeks.  My gastro doc says that my last colonoscopy showed erosion in my illium (Crohns).

Is there anything I can do about this rash?  It is probably a side effect of the Remicade.

Suggestions please

Posted 4/27/2012 9:09 AM (GMT 0)
Yes I think it is a side effect of Remicade, I find I get a wind-burn type of skin. My eyes are constantly running and the skin very dry and flakey. I have started to use vaseline which has helped. Also found I was starting to get cold sores which became infected, so used flucloxacillin for that. Remicade controls the UC but ruins my skin, but when I go back on Pred (usually week or two before next infusion) the skin clears up really well. Trouble is I then get the munchies and pile on the pounds.
Posted 4/27/2012 11:24 AM (GMT 0)
Yes I am also prone to rashes in the past ..high doses of pred (although I have refused any for the past 2 years).  With Remicade and 6MP I find I get really red skin like wind burn too, and I have what seems like psorisis on my scalp, over the last few weeks I have a really itchy neck and upper chest and sometimes it appears sort of sunburnt...just sore in general.  I have wondered what it might be also. 
Posted 4/28/2012 1:29 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you both for your info. It made me feel better to realize that I am not alone with this problem. I spoke with my Remicade coordinator and checked the Remicade website which confirmed that rashes and itching are a side effect. The only way to get rid of it is to stop the Remicade.

I have been taking Asacol (800 mg tabs) 4 tabs twice a day but have tried to reduce it to 2 tabs twice a day. Unfortunately, I tend to relapse at about 3 to 4 weeks after my infusion. I can't take 6MP (liver enzymes) or immuran (nausea). I feel best on pred but I also get the munchies and gain sooo much weightand have a little osteoporosis.

I don't know what is worse the pred and weight gain - but clear skin - or the Remicade and rashes, dry skin, dry eyes and itching, not to mention the muscle pain. My gastro doc said something about trying humera if I am still bad after my next infusion on May 25. Right now I am having my own private pity party :-( I guess shouldn't whine. I could have something far worse.

Thanks again for your posts. They were most appreciated.
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