shitmagnet, sorry it's taken me a while to get back to thank you for your post. And thanks to everyone else who's taken time to answer.
I read your answer fairly soon after you posted, and although I'd heard of Lupus, I didn't know anything about it. Not sure if I've done the sensible thing, but I Googled it. Not sure what to think now, but I'll tell you what I feel and maybe you can tell me that I'm either over-reacting, or have a valid reason to go to the Docs.
The rash was really obvious, it felt hot and uncomfortable. It flared up during a job interview - other candidates noticed it. I thought it was a stress reaction at first.
But, and here lies my problem now....
I've had aching joints for the last 2 months. Left hip in particular. Two weeks ago, my knees (front and back) became really sore - couldn't kneel to dress my little ones etc. The tips of my toes on both feel feel like a ton weight has been dropped on them - really sore. My hands have swollen up, and they're hot. These aren't massively noticeable, but I know they've swollen.
My hair has been dropping out at a really rapid rate too - I thought it was hormones or thyroid related (I was diagnosed Hypo-Th last October and my symptoms are fairly under control, but fatigue is a major issue still, as is poor concentration.
There are other things going on, but I'm now getting confused with my Hypothyroidism. I'm loathed to get to the GP to be honest, because I truly feel a fraud even discussing my thyroid as I'm on the lowest dose of medication, and the GP never seems to take me seriously.
I'm so sorry to pile this onto you (you must think I'm the neediest poster on MN lol) but your post has made me step back and do some thinking. Now all I need is the courage to go to the GP.