[thinker22]

A couple of days ago I noticed red spots on my inner arms (opposite side of elbows) for 6 inch stretches and inner thighs for 9 inch stretches. They're not really itchy, just a touch irritated but not raised.

I've been coming down from lamotrigine by 50mg every 2 weeks. I'm on 150 right now (used to be on 300) and will go down to 100 on Tuesday. It's a test to see if I still need it as a mood stabilizer or if one of my other meds is doing that job just fine by itself.

Why would a rash start when I'm taking less and less of it? Do you think it was caused by something else?

I've read about SJS, and since there are no blisters I'm thinking it's just a random rash that may or may not be related to Lamictal.

Any thoughts?

[grizmom]

My doc said the rash can start at any point during treatment, so I guess if it was me I would go to the walk-in clinic or ER just to make sure. You could also call and just talk to a nurse if you are concerned. I did get a rash under my arms shortly after starting Lamictal and went in to the clinic but it turned out to be a rash from using my deodorant too soon after shaving, stupid sensitive skin!! I hope that it turns out to be nothing serious...let us know what you find out!

[thinker22]

I'm going to watch it carefully and see if it spreads or turns into raised hives. If not, I'll figure its an allergy to something else and will go away on its own.

I'll stay in touch about it.

Maybe I should take a Benadryl tonight to see if that makes it go away.

If it was THE rash, you'd know. It is horrible, like 3rd degree burns. Just watch it. Give your pdoc a call if you are concerned. I had a rash at one point on lamictal and it was just some random rash that went away on its own.

[Moreta]

My doc told me that usually you would get the rash in the first 6-10 weeks of treatment. Except I got it 6 months in to treatment.

You would know if you had it, because your skin would feel like it was on fire.

Not cool at all....

Have you recently changed soaps or laundry detergent? Sometimes that gives me a rash....

Or do you take a Niacin supplement (part of the B vitamin family, I think B-6) because I can't take it because it makes me break out in a rash.

Just a couple thoughts.

[thinker22]

I found it in more areas tonight. I'm thinking it was a reaction to bleach residue in the tub from 2 days ago, but not sure why it would be spreading. I tried a new soap last night, but it was there before it. I went back to my old soap today.

Haven't changed any supplement or detergent or anything else.

Going to take Benadryl tonight. Will let you know how it goes.

Thanks for your thoughts everyone.

[Amazonmom]

The Lamictal rash can happen at any time during treatment, but usually happens near the beginning.

My rash probably wasn't SJS, but more likely was DRESS syndrome. Is the rash the only thing wrong?

It's probably nothing, but have it checked out just in case.

[thinker22]

It still hasn't gone away as of this morning. No change in it though. It's a touch itchy on the legs. It looks kind of like tiny dots of burst capillaries in the midst of the red patches. I've never had this happen before.

It's definitely not "the Rash" because it's too mild. It's just vexing that it's there and won't go away. I have work tomorrow, but maybe I'll make an appt for Tues with my PCP. It's got to be an allergy of some sort. I have no fever or swollen glands.

Thanks all for the support.

[thinker22]

Still no change. It hasn't receded at all. I made an appt with my PCP for tomorrow. Maybe it just needs some steroids to clear up. At least it's not spreading.