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Home / Ask the Expert / Reddish-purple areas over joints

Reddish-purple areas over joints

April 10, 2007 By Arthritis Center

Question

I have been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia and an Undifferenciated Connective Tissue Disease. I recently have got numerous reddish-purple areas on my knees and elbows. Some have a raised appearance. I have a few over my thumb joint. They do not itch, hurt and they aren’t scaly. Can you tell me if this may be related to an auto immune problem?

Answer

You need to have someone see them to make a diagnosis. It is hard to tell if you are describing nodules, skin rash or both. Both skin rashes and nodules are common with connective tissue and autoimmune diseases.

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