Lupus is a disease of the immune system. It is a condition in which the
immune system attacks healthy cells causing inflammation and damage to
the tissues.
The clinical manifestations of lupus are joints and muscles pains. On the superficial level, the typical manifestation of lupus is the butterfly rash on the face. (1, 2, and 3)
References
The clinical manifestations of lupus are joints and muscles pains. On the superficial level, the typical manifestation of lupus is the butterfly rash on the face. (1, 2, and 3)
Lupus Rash on Face Pictures
image source: webmd.com
image source: medicinenet.com
image source: slidesharecdn.com
image source: www.bestonlinemd.com
image source: www.findatopdoc.com
What does a lupus rash look like?
The cardinal sign of lupus is a rash on the cheeks and the nose that resembles a butterfly shape. Other parts of the body are affected too such as the neck and arms. There will be flaky red spots and purple rashes. Some have mouth sores. It is called a butterfly rash because it is a butterfly-like shape. This is why most lupus organizations have a butterfly symbol. (2, 3, and 4)Does lupus rash itch and burn?
Usually, rashes secondary to lupus do not itch or burn. Some people may experience mild itching but is not usually painful. (4)
Types of lupus rashes
- Acute cutaneous lupus/butterfly rash/malar rash - The rashes found on the face that resembles the shape of the butterfly.
- Subacute cutaneous lupus lesions - There are two types. The first type is the one sensitive to sun exposure. It starts as a red pimple and will develop into a full-blown rash, which looks more like a psoriasis rash. The second type begins with a small flat lesion which gets bigger over time. This type of rash is itchy and gets worse as it is exposed to sunlight.
- Chronic cutaneous lupus - It is usually found on the scalp and outer ear. A severe type of chronic cutaneous lupus rash causes hair loss and extreme itching. (5, 6, and 7)
Lupus rash treatment
Lupus rashes should be dealt with under the care of a dermatologist. Do not self-treat without consulting your doctor. Doing so could cause more harm than good. Treatment and management approach for lupus rash include the following:
- Steroidal creams - The doctor will prescribe a steroidal cream to reduce inflammation and provide relief from itching and discomfort. Steroidal creams should be used as per the doctor's advice because of its potential to dilate the blood vessels.
- Sunscreen lotions - Apply a sunscreen lotion to protect your skin from the heat of the sun. As much as possible, you should avoid direct sunlight because patient's with lupus are sensitive to light.
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs - They are helpful in the treatment of acute cutaneous lupus rash. (1, 4, 6, and 7)
Prevention
One of the best ways to prevent lupus rash is to protect your skin from direct heat of the sun. Do not go out during midday hours. Make sure you wear protective clothing, especially in the exposed areas of the skin. Protect your face by wearing a wide-brimmed hat.
Use sunscreen and sunblock to give your skin an added protection from the damaging rays of the sun. (2, 3, and 4)
Use sunscreen and sunblock to give your skin an added protection from the damaging rays of the sun. (2, 3, and 4)
References
- https://www.webmd.com/lupus/ss/slideshow-lupus-overview
- https://www.medicinenet.com/image-collection/systemic_lupus_erythematosus_1_picture/picture.htm
- https://www.healthline.com/health/lupus/early-signs
- http://www.mollysfund.org/the-lupus-butterfly-rash-or-malar-rash-information-you-need-to-know/
- https://www.onhealth.com/content/1/lupus_symptoms
- https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/lupus/symptoms/
- https://www.lupusuk.org.uk/coping-with-itchy-rashes/
