Unusual Swelling Concerns
Greetings, I'm a 32-year-old woman standing 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighing 160 pounds. I do not smoke or consume alcohol. Additionally, I am sensitive to gluten and dairy. I manage lupus with the medication Plaquenil and supplement daily with calcium, fish oil, vitamin D, methyl folate, magnesium, and myo-inositol. Yesterday around midday, I began to feel a warm, itchy sensation beneath my left knee and on the upper part of my right thigh. By the evening, I observed that these areas had become raised and changed in color to red. The swelling has since increased in size and intensified in itchiness, now measuring approximately 3 inches across. It feels like a single, elevated mass that is tender to the touch, reminiscent of a bruise. Initially, I suspected sun exposure might be the cause, despite having used sunscreen and wearing UPF clothing, but now I believe there might be another issue at play. The heat and itchiness are worsening, and taking Zyrtec has not provided relief.
Answers (1)
7/7/2025, 10:30:46 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're experiencing unusual swelling and discomfort, which can be concerning. Based on your symptoms, these could possibly be related to an allergic reaction, inflammation, or a dermatological issue given your lupus history. It's good that you're monitoring the situation and seeking guidance.
Explanation
The warmth, itchiness, and raised color change you've described indicate that there may be an inflammatory response in your skin. Conditions that might present similarly include allergic reactions (perhaps to environmental factors or contact allergens), hives (urticaria), or even localized reactions to medications or supplements. Sometimes, lupus can also cause skin changes, but the acute nature of your symptoms suggests it may be more related to an allergy or irritation.
Next Steps
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Cool the Area: Apply a cool compress or ice pack to the swollen areas for 10-15 minutes at a time to help reduce swelling and relieve discomfort. Avoid direct ice on the skin; wrap it in a cloth.
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Topical Treatment: You might try applying a hydrocortisone cream (1%) to help reduce inflammation and itching. This is available over-the-counter.
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Avoid Irritants: Stay away from any known allergens (like potential irritants in topical products, plants, or certain fabrics) and observe if the symptoms worsen or improve.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of any changes in the swelling and pain. If the condition worsens, or if you develop additional symptoms like fever, difficulty breathing, or extensive rash, further evaluation may be necessary.
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Reevaluate Medications/Supplements: Consider discussing with a healthcare provider if any new supplements or medications may correlate with the onset of these symptoms.
Please keep monitoring your symptoms closely. If there's no improvement or if you have increased swelling, worsening symptoms, or if you have any concerns, consider reaching out for further medical evaluation. Your health is important, and addressing these symptoms early can help prevent complications. Let me know if you have further questions or need additional information!
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