It's difficult to diagnose this without an exam and evaluation. I would take pictures of this flushing (what makes it worse/better, worse in sun? Etc) for your doctors, as well as any swelling. Try to see if there's a temporal relation to the joint pain/swelling (morning, night, what makes it better etc). If there's no contraindications, I would recommend trying some NSAIDs to see if it helps the swelling - note that if it does. Always take NSAIDs with food.Also any new supplements you're taking. Some weird stuff in those sometimes.
Looking for expertise-rheumatology, immunology..?Hi, I'm a 39yo female, a healthy eater and active with daily cardio exercise. I've been on BP meds since 22yo after I went in for a flu visit and it was recommended I start them. My current is propranolol 60mg ER and that's been about 8 years. Otherwise my health and blood work is good however, over the last 6 months I've noticed in increase in flushing, primarily in the face and upper arms, along with small, closed skin, slightly raised lesion marks here and there. Additionally, I get fairly significant swelling and redness in my hands and feet, along with joint pain in my feet sometimes to the point I feel like my feet bones are going to crumble. I do have a genetically bad back with disc collapse in my lower spine and injections have been recommended for that. But Im not sure that could be related to everything else. My original thought was a food or alcohol allergy as the swelling starts minutes after I eat or drink, which is few and far between. The problem is the swelling then stays all day, to the point I have to take my jewelry off. With that and the redness it is super embarrassing and I feel like my face is 110 degrees so it's also uncomfortable. I drink water, I take vitamins and I feel good in the mornings. Come the afternoon though it's like my body starts to fall apart and feel 80 years old. I feel I'm having inflammatory responses to something but I just can't identify it. I use excema lotions and hydrocortisone as needed on my arms. I'm just at a loss and wondering if it could be medication related, or if there's something I'm missing? Thank you.