The symptoms of sarcoidosis depend on which parts of the body are being affected by this inflammatory condition. Some common symptoms of sarcoidosis include fever, fatigue, cough, shortness of breath, hair loss, seizures, enlarged lymph glands, nosebleeds, headache, and weight loss. The cause of sarcoidosis is unknown.
Sarcoidosis can cause different types of skin conditions including certain types of eczema. Lupus pernio is one form of eczema sarcoidosis. It causes the development of large purplish lesions on the cheeks, ears, nose, fingers, and toes.
Someone with sarcoidosis may develop skin plaques. These skin plaques appear as circular, thickened areas that may be brown or purplish-red. Sarcoidosis can also cause old scars to become thicker, be itchy, or cause bumps under the skin.
Cutaneous calcification can occur. Cutaneous calcification, also called calcinosis cutis, causes deposits of calcium in the skin. In addition to these rashes caused by sarcoidosis, the skin symptoms from sarcoidosis can resemble other forms of eczema.
Bumps on the skin that may feel sore may form on the shins. These bumps from sarcoidosis are from a condition called erythema nodosum. Erythema nodosum can cause symptoms of arthritis in the wrists, hands, ankles, and elbows.
Nummular eczema, also called discoid eczema, is another form of eczema that may develop due to sarcoidosis. Nummular eczema rashes are round and may be bumpy and blistering or dry and scaly.
Sarcoidosis can trigger erythema multiforme which is a blistering rash. The rash typically spreads for a few days and may last up to three weeks.
Approximately one-third of patients with eczema sarcoidosis do not have sarcoidosis symptoms in other parts of the body. The lungs, eyes, heart, liver, and nervous system may be affected by sarcoidosis. Musculoskeletal systems may also develop.
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