I am experiencing knee pain, hand pain, finger swelling, purple mottled skin and skin redness or irritation (worsened by: after exposure to the sun) . the following also describe me: stiff joints, finger stiffness, and soft tissue swelling. what should i

Check for lupus: You describe joint stiffness & swelling which indicate joint inflammation (arthritis), not just joint pain (arthralgia). This coupled with the skin's sensitivity to the sun (photosensitivity) brings up the possibility of lupus erythematosus. It is an autoimmune disease (the body attacks itself) that is treatable. See your doctor and tell him/her the symptoms exactly as you did above.

Exam and testing: Your symptoms are highly suggestive of an autoimmune disease, lupus or lupus like and timely evaluation is highly recommended. You can start with your primary care doc and based on initial assessment you might end up being referred to a rheumatologist. Keep a log of your symptoms.