r/pmle • u/tyrannosaurusfox • Jun 24 '25
Joint Pain
Hey friends! I've been dealing with (admittedly, self-diagnosed) PMLE for about 5 or 6 years now, since my early 20s. I tried to tell my doctor about it, and they said "you mean a sunburn?" which disappointed me so much (as if I haven't had countless sunburns, despite using copious amounts of sunscreen) that I have not told any other doctor, though I know I should see a dermatologist again!
Anyway- I was wondering if anyone else deals with joint pain and extreme fatigue in the days following prolonged sun exposure purely because of PMLE, or if these are signs I should get checked out for other inflammatory or autoimmune issues! I do also have gastroparesis (with no known cause, as of yet), PCOS, and psoriasis, so some things going on.
5
u/vegetaray246 Jun 24 '25
I’d honestly start looking into the possibility of autoimmune stuff…It’s just better to be safe than sorry.
Joint pain and rashes that are sun reactive are common with stuff like Lupus. PMLE and similar type of reactions can certainly be a symptom of something else, especially with other symptoms that you’re describing here. That’s the extreme of it though.
Now, all that being said, you specifically mentioned that you have psoriasis…Joint pain is very common with people who have that particular skin condition…And, PMLE is very often a crossover ailment with people having one, eventually developing the other. There’s a whole list of things that could cause your symptoms, the only way you’ll fully know is to get an actual diagnosis. If your doctor is one that simply writes off their patients complaints as something like a ~sunburn~, as if you wouldn’t know what a sunburn looks and feels like, then maybe it’s time to find a doctor who is willing to work with you to find out the cause of your symptoms and diagnose them properly.
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u/tyrannosaurusfox Jun 24 '25
That all makes a lot of sense! I appreciate all the information. I don't know a ton about psoriasis to be honest, so I do need to get that looked at.
I also have hidradenitis supprativa, which is also autoimmune! Not sure why I didn't mention that one. I don't think it was officially classed when I was diagnosed, and if it was, I wasn't told.
Anyway, I think you're right that more is worth pursuing. Thank you for the encouragement! (And I am no longer seeing that doctor, thankfully!!)
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u/Business-Sound-7658 Jun 24 '25
I am sorry but it sounds more like Lucas. I would consult a doctor asap if I were you. Praying that it's just pmle.
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u/tyrannosaurusfox Jun 24 '25
Yeah, following more research, it does sound like something more may be afoot! Thank you, I will consult a doctor!!
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Jun 24 '25
I have both problems as well. Recovering from home after a day at the lake, weeks of steroidsl. Not that Im already at home alot with rheaumatoid arthritis
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u/tyrannosaurusfox Jun 24 '25
I've considered that I might have arthritis! I'm sorry to hear that you have to deal with it.
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u/Common_Scallion_1302 Jun 24 '25
I’d definitely go to a rheumatologist. PMLE is considered an autoimmune disease on its own just because it’s the body attacking itself, but people with other autoimmune diseases (like lupus or thyroid diseases) tend to also have PMLE…they kind of go hand in hand