Skin Manifestations Associated with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Abstract

We examined cutaneous manifestations of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) of 142 Japanese patients who visited both the Departments of Dermatology and Rheumatology of our hospital. We classified cutaneous lesions into specific and/or characteristic or nonspecific ones. Nonspecific lesions predominated in our series. Among the specific skin manifestations, which comprised 10% of the total, rheumatoid nodules, rheumatoid papules, rheumatoid neutrophilic dermatitis, and severe vasculitic ulcers correlated with high titers of rheumatoid factors and progression of RA, while purpura and livedo did not. Nonspecific skin manifestations failed to correspond with the level of rheumatoid factors. Among the nonspecific lesions, asteatotic eczema, candida interdigitalis, and tinea unguium were commonly detected.

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“…Skin infections have been reported frequently in the normal population and especially in RA patients [24-26]. Host-defence impairments resulting from the underlying disease might play a role in an increased susceptibility to skin infections in RA patients, as well as the use of corticosteroids and DMARDs such as methotrexate [28,37], which were recorded frequently in the present study (see Table 2).…”

“…At present, information on the incidence and prevalence of dermatological conditions in RA mainly originates from cross-sectional or retrospective studies [24-26]. Few prospective studies have been conducted focusing on specific conditions affecting the skin [27,28].…”

The granulomatous reaction pattern

“…498,499 These nodules occur in approximately 20% of patients, usually in the vicinity of joints. 498,499 These nodules occur in approximately 20% of patients, usually in the vicinity of joints.…”

The Association of Rheumatoid Arthritis with Lichen Amyloidosis: Case Report

“…Indeed, in addition to the well-known specific and nonspecific cutaneous lesions, patients with RA had also been reported to exhibit a wide range of rare conditions such as dermatophytosis, erythema nodosum, alopecia, vitiligo, contact dermatitis, urticaria, tylosis, and clavus. 2,6,7 Lichen amyloidosis is a type of primary localized cutaneous amyloidosis in which amyloid, a fibrillar proteinaceous material, is deposited solely in the skin, without associated systemic involvement. 8,9 It is characterized by multiple pruritic discrete hyperkeratotic papules that coalesce into plaques, most commonly located on the anterior legs, upper back, forearms, and thighs.…”