skin biopsy positive for lupus

[KLWalker5]

I recently developed a vascular rash on my legs and hives on my arms. The dermatologist performed skin biopsies on both to determine the problem. The leg biopsy showed a vascular rash she called PPP. My arm biopsy came back positive for lupus. She performed a second biopsy on my arm (an immunofluorescent biopsy) and bloodwork, but it will take a month to find out anything. I was just wondering what the chances are that the first biopsy is correct and I really do have lupus? Also, is there anything I need to do in the meantime to prevent the rashes from getting worse?

[John Kenyon, CNA]

Hello -

Barring a lab error, a postive finding for lupus is almost always correct (there are far more false negatives, very rarely a false positive). As for keeping the rashes from getting worse, I would think the doctor would have given you any information on that which might be of any use. However, if it wasn't discussed, wait and see what happens, as there are treatments for these things. If the rash worsens you should let the doctor know and ask just what can be done to help abate the rash.

Best of luck to you. We'll be interested to hear what the immunoflourescent biopsy shows, as that would be the definitive one.