A skin rash is sometimes a symptom of rheumatoid arthritis (RA)—especially in children and teens. It can also be a side effect of many RA medications including gold (Solganal, Myochrysine), methotrexate (Rheumatrex, Trexall), leflunomide (Arava), and hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil), sulfazine and the TNF-inhibitor Golimumab. A rash can also be a sign of a rare and serious RA complication called vasculitis, an inflammation of the blood vessels. This rash shows up on finger tips, toes or legs. Vasculitis can lead to nerve damage, reduced blood flow to your hands and feet, skin ulcers and painful inflammation of the whites of your eyes.

• In RA, your immune system attacks and destroys tissue in your joints. In vasculitis, your immune system may also attack the lining of blood vessels.
• Medications that treat RA, such as prednisone, methotrexate and tumor necrosis factor inhibitors (Enbrel and Humira) can also slow vasculitis damage.
• Vasculitis symptoms also include fever, weight loss, sores on the skin around your ankles, or numbness, tingling or burning pain in your wrists or ankles.
• Rash can be a symptom of juvenile RA, which is usually diagnosed between the ages of 6 months and 16 years. Juvenile RA affects 50,000 kids and teens in the U.S.
• In one type of juvenile RA—called systemic JRA—a rash may appear with fever or if skin heats up after a warm bath, exercise, or in hot weather.

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