In extreme conditions, sarcoidosis can become a serious skin disease called lupus pernio. This is a potentially serious condition that may result in disfiguring sores to the nasal passages, cheeks, eyelids, fingers and nose. They are hard to get rid of and may return even after treatment.
The eyes are particularly sensitive to sarcoidosis and can experience burning, itching, pain and sensitivity to light.
Finally, sarcoidosis may attack vital organs. You may get an enlarged liver or experience salivary gland or spleen problems. In rare instances, the heart or brain can be attacked, resulting in shortness of breath, abnormal heartbeat, vision problems and headaches.
Some Good News
Extreme cases of sarcoidosis may lead to Lofgren’s Syndrome. This is a disease characterized by lymph nodes, fever, arthritis, and a rash on the ankles and shins that is warm to the touch.
The good news is that sarcoidosis can disappear as mysteriously as it first appeared. There’s no telling whether it will linger because there often is no indication in the patient, and those afflicted may recover without ever knowing they have the disease. Typically, the first signs of the disease include a persistent cough (in some patients, this makes speech almost impossible), wheezing, chest pain and shortness of breath.