Arthritis: The early warning sign of the condition found in the colour of your skin

Dr Hilary explains benefit of arthritis drugs tocilizumab and sarilumab

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a condition where the body’s immune system attacks itself and inflames the protective membrane inside the joints. This can result in symptoms that range from mild to severe. If you notice your skin colour becoming redder it could be an early sign of the condition requiring treatment as soon as possible.

Redness of the joints refers to redness of the skin surrounding a joint.

It can often be accompanied by

  • Warmth
  • Swelling of the joints
  • Limited range of motion
  • Joint stiffness
  • Joint pain

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Redness of the joints is common in active arthritis such as rheumatoid arthritis, said Medicine Net.

The health site added: “Redness can also develop due to injury to the joint or to the surrounding structures.

“Depending upon the exact cause, redness of the joints can occur in a single joint, or multiple joints in the body may be involved at one time.

“There are many causes of arthritis, and all are causes of joint redness.

“Tumours of the bone or joint lining (synovium) are very rare causes of joint symptoms, including redness.”

Other signs to spot according to the NHS include:

  • Joint pain, tenderness and stiffness
  • Inflammation in and around the joints
  • Restricted movement of the joints
  • Warm red skin over the affected joint
  • Weakness and muscle wasting

Rheumatoid arthritis is a type of inflammatory arthritis, when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s joints.

The autoimmune disorder collects extra blood and fluid to the affected joint(s) which can cause a number of problems.

For example, it can make moving the joints difficult and painful, as the fluid can irritate nerve endings.

Moreover, the extra fluid can stretch the joint capsule, dislodging the joint from its original position.

Treatment

The treatment for a rheumatoid arthritis-related rash depends on its cause and severity.

A treatment that works well for one type of rash may be useless for another.

Treatment usually focuses on managing pain and discomfort and preventing an infection.

It’s also important that treatments target the underlying condition, since rashes may be a sign that your arthritis isn’t well-controlled.

You should tell your doctor if you have symptoms after changing medications.

However you shouldn’t stop taking your medications unless instructed by your doctor.

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