HELP, Itchy red flaky skin...side effect?

[lmlentz]

A couple hours ago I noticed the skin on right arm is red (only in the spots I've been itching) and itchy and the whole arm is covered in dry flaky liking skin, like I can actually see the skin flake away when I itch. Eight now its just the one arm which has been in the sun as I'm in the car. I just started azulfidine sulfasalazine yesterday and Prevacid on Tuesday and have been on prednisone sense April. Is this a side effect from one if these? I know the azulfidine sulfasalazine said may cause sensitivity to sun light is it maybe that sense my arm has been in the sun? Should I be worried by this its really itchy! Any advice is appreciated thanks for the help!

 

[nogutsnoglory]

Can you take a Benadryl to see if that helps? It could be that the sun sensitivity made you flake. I'd see if it happens again and if it does I'd speak to your doctor about a possible allergic reaction.

 

[purdueCrohns]

People with Crohn's often have psoriasis-like skin conditions. This is especially true for people on TNF inhibitors

 

[lmlentz]

I will keep an eye in it I noticed it got better when I pulled my sleeves down to cover my skin, but I will watch to see if it happens agian. Thanks.

 

[lmlentz]

TNF inhibitors? Sorry I'm new to all this was just diagnosed this week stills learning what stuff is. Is one of my meds a TNF inhibitor?

 

[purdueCrohns]

I'm not intimately familiar with your medication, but I do not believe it is. TNF-inhibitors are drugs like Remicade and Humira.

Skin issues are common with Crohn's disease. I would contact your doctor and let him know you are having the issue. I would also schedule an appointment with a dermatologist.

I would make sure your doctor checks your vitamin D levels. People with Crohn's tend to have vitamin D deficiency. This can often lead to skin problems if not handled with a supplement.

 

[nogutsnoglory]

The drugs are mesalamine not anti TNF drugs. There are rare reactions to mesalamine that can include peeling and itching. I think you should contact your doctor to find out if its safe to continue.

http://www.webmd.com/drugs/drug-11925-Azulfidine+Oral.aspx?drugid=11925&drugname=Azulfidine+Oral

 

[purdueCrohns]

Ok, so that's the same drug as Pentesa

 

[nogutsnoglory]

It's in the same class of medications. All have mesalamine.