I recently discovered that I have a rare skin disease called eosinophilic fasciitis (EF), a skin and muscle disease which causes tightness of the skin, and sometimes a reddish coloration of the skin in areas. It can also cause symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, which is what I have.

I'm forty-one years old, and my symptoms started right before Christmas of last year. It took a few rounds of tests and blood work and several specialists to determine the problem.

I had extremely high white blood cells (eosinophilic) and the doctors could not figure out why, until a red spot showed up on my leg. They took a biopsy of that spot, and that is when they diagnosed eosinophilic fasciitis (EF). I also have swelling in my lower legs and in my hands with extreme tightness in the joints. I have been taking prednisone for the pain and swelling and it has helped a great deal.

I have been on short term disability. I am getting ready to take another drug methotrexate and vitamins. They will keep me under observation with blood work and regular visits and who knows what else.

I will be going into physical therapy. My hands are still a big problem, with lots of tightness, and in my knees and ankles as well. It looks like there is no cure, but only treatment. With a little luck, it will go into remission.

Thanks for letting me post my message. I hope this helps.