Unexplained Perivascular Dermatitis
Starting in November, I noticed the emergence of small red spots on my legs, despite having made no changes to my diet or daily routine. Over time, these spots have not only darkened and enlarged but have also begun to spread more widely across my body. Initially, they appeared only on my legs, buttocks, and lower back, with minimal presence on my arms. However, in recent weeks, I have seen them advancing to my arms, chest, and even a little on my neck. Although they are not raised or itchy, and they don't cause any discomfort, they have significantly affected my self-esteem, making me anxious about the possibility of them appearing on my face. After consulting a dermatologist, I underwent a biopsy, which revealed I am dealing with perivascular dermatitis. Unfortunately, the dermatologist was unable to identify the underlying cause and suggested a treatment involving steroid cream while continuing with Dupixent—a medication I’ve been on for over a year to manage eczema prior to these recent skin concerns. They indicated that Dupixent might also assist with my perivascular dermatitis, though there have been no noticeable improvements. Following this, I was referred to both an allergist and a rheumatologist, who recommended that I have blood tests done. I expect to receive the results from the allergist in about a week; however, the results from the rheumatologist could take up to a month, and they believe this could be more pivotal in determining the issue at hand. So, I find myself wondering: Does anyone have insights on what might be causing this development or why it appears to worsen without any alteration in my circumstances? Alternatively, if anyone has encouraging words, I would greatly appreciate it! For context, I'm a 20-year-old female, standing 4’9" and weighing 96 pounds. My only medical history includes a diagnosis of eczema from December 2022, for which I have been taking Dupixent for over a year, along with a past of depression and anxiety. I previously used cannabis from ages 14 to 19, and I vaped nicotine from August 2022 to December 2022, along with consuming about four cigarettes a week from August 2022 to the present date, although I'm attempting to quit or limit my use to special occasions. I will share updates about my skin's condition in the comments.
Answers (1)
4/1/2025, 8:01:03 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're going through a challenging time with your skin condition, and it’s completely understandable to feel anxious about changes in your appearance. Perivascular dermatitis can be perplexing, especially when the cause isn’t clear and you’re actively managing other conditions like eczema.
Key Points:
- Perivascular dermatitis can occur due to various triggers, including skin irritants, allergens, or underlying systemic conditions.
- Current treatments include steroid creams and Dupixent.
- Results from blood tests may provide insights into underlying causes.
Explanation:
Perivascular dermatitis involves inflammation around blood vessels in the skin, and while it can be linked to allergies, irritants, or systemic issues (like autoimmune conditions), pinpointing the specific cause can sometimes take time. The fact that you’ve noticed this change despite not altering your routine is indeed frustrating, but often skin conditions can develop unpredictably. Dupixent may help, especially since it modulates inflammation, but it may take time to see effects on this particular dermatitis.
Next Steps:
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Continue Treatment: Use the steroid cream as directed and keep taking Dupixent. Note any changes in your skin condition after starting these treatments; this information could be helpful for your healthcare providers.
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Symptom Tracking: Keep a daily log of your skin condition, noting any changes, triggers, or flare-ups. Include stress levels, skincare products used, and any new exposures (like detergents or fabrics). This can help you and your doctors identify patterns or triggers.
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Blood Test Results: As you await the results from your allergist and rheumatologist, try to stay active in reaching out for further clarification or exploring options with them based on those results. It might take some time, but understanding the underlying cause could lead to better-targeted treatment.
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Self-Care for Anxiety: Since you mentioned feelings of anxiety regarding your skin condition, consider techniques to manage stress, such as mindfulness, meditation, or light physical activity, which can help improve your overall wellbeing.
Remember, you are not alone in this, and seeking support from friends, family, or even online communities can make a difference. Each step you take now may help you gain better clarity on your skin condition. Please update us with any new information – your journey can help encourage others as well!
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