Question 1

ana has been negative, but a rash biopsy was suggestive of a connective tissue disease. rash on chest, appears in winter. anything to do but wait?

Accepted Answer

ANA testing: There is a rather large cluster of poorly defined illness known as mixed connective tissue disease in contrast to the classic ana+ diseases like lupus, arteritis, etc. In these the ANA may not be positive, and biopsies of affected tissue may be abnormal but  not diagnostic. As you surmised, in these cases really the thing to do is wait since a trial of treatment may have significant side effects.

Question 2

which connective tissue diseases cause a skin rash? punch biopsy suggestive of early connective tissue disease.

Accepted Answer

More than one: Lupus, dermatomyositis, scleroderma, rheumatoid arthritis, vasculitis are some of the connective tissue disease that may cause a skin rash.

Question 3

what is a "connective tissue disease"? had punch biopsy on rash, suggestive of early connective tissue disease. what is "connective tissue?"

Accepted Answer

Mctd: Thee are multiple connective tissue disorders often described as mixed connective tissue disorders.  The connective tissues basically support all the soft tissues together in the body.  When they are not correctly formed, a variety of conditions both locally and systemically can result.  Most have a genetic basis.  Don't hesitate to be seen and discuss whether further workup is indicated.

Question 4

can ana fluctuate in the winter vs. summer? had rash in winter that was possible early connective tissue disease per biopsy. have more pain in winter.

Accepted Answer

Possibly: Advise you see your rheumatologist and have titers checked.  Connective tissue diseases can fluctuate in severity with the seasons, and many factors play a role.

Question 5

skin biopsy shows early connective tissue disease. what is connective tissue disease? why would it cause a chest rash? or flushing w/ stress, emotion?

Accepted Answer

Get 2nd pathologist: "Connective tissue disease" was an obsolete word for the lupus / scleroderma / dermatomyositis family decades ago. Unless this is a second-hand report of a biopsy that showed nonspecific inflammatory changes that anybody can have, I would ask that the case be reviewed by another pathologist if the rash might be a real problem. Lots of folks flush with stress ("stress urticaria"); it's normal.

Question 6

upper chest rash, worsens in winter. punch biopsy=possible early connective tissue disease. chest flushes when upset. looks like sunburn. any ideas?

Accepted Answer

Non-allergic atopy?: Might you simply have cholinergic, stress, and cold urticaria? I'm not a dermatologist, but I believe that a flushing sort of rash is unlikely to be anything in the lupus / dermatomyositis family./

Question 7

had punch biopsy done on rash in '09. results: "early lesion of connective tissue disorder." what f/up is suggested?

Accepted Answer

Rheumatologist: Talk to a rheumatologist to confirm your diagnosis. Blood tests might be needed. A minimum of a yearly follow up is needed provided no other symptoms are present.

Question 8

whats mixed connective tissue disease?

Accepted Answer

Labs can confuse.: The labs are just a fraction of what needed to get you better. Your history and physical exam will determine your treatment. Looking for which labs will delay and confuse. You need to develop a few paragraphs of all your issues and sit down with your doctor to put the pieces together. 
Began a wellness program and add in magnesium and acupuncture.

Question 9

what is mixed connective tissue disease?

Accepted Answer

Combination of CTD: Mixed connective  tissue disease is an  autoimmune conditions with a combination of autoimmune diseases systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma and  polymyositis.  One of these conditions is usually more prominent  than the others at one time and with time it can progress to the other autoimmune diseases. Thus you may have  arthritis, or a rash, or internal medical probelm.

Question 10

what is the test for connective tissue disease?

Accepted Answer

Physical and lab: A history and physical is important to help clarify what type of testing to do. There are certain labs that will be ordered to help solidify the diagnosis. There are a variety of connective tissue disorders and each one is evaluated differently.

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

Connective tissue disease rash

A member asked:

Ana has been negative, but a rash biopsy was suggestive of a connective tissue disease. rash on chest, appears in winter. anything to do but wait?

A member asked:

Which connective tissue diseases cause a skin rash? punch biopsy suggestive of early connective tissue disease.

A member asked:

What is a "connective tissue disease"? had punch biopsy on rash, suggestive of early connective tissue disease. what is "connective tissue?"

A member asked:

Can ana fluctuate in the winter vs. summer? had rash in winter that was possible early connective tissue disease per biopsy. have more pain in winter.

A member asked:

Skin biopsy shows early connective tissue disease. what is connective tissue disease? why would it cause a chest rash? or flushing w/ stress, emotion?

A member asked:

Upper chest rash, worsens in winter. punch biopsy=possible early connective tissue disease. chest flushes when upset. looks like sunburn. any ideas?

A member asked:

Had punch biopsy done on rash in '09. results: "early lesion of connective tissue disorder." what f/up is suggested?

A member asked:

Whats mixed connective tissue disease?

A member asked:

What is mixed connective tissue disease?

A member asked:

What is the test for connective tissue disease?

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?