How to Treat Your Lupus Rash

Does Lupus Cause Rashes on The Body?

     If you have a rash that appears suddenly, or sometimes reappears, you may not be sure what caused it. Rashes are associated with a variety of things from scabies to allergic reactions to lupus. A lupus rash, like all types of rash, requires special care.

The rash, which is generally categorized as an irregularity in skin color, texture, or appearance, can also be itchy. The lupus rash will mainly appear on the cheeks and nose in the shape of a butterfly. A lupus rash can also be a discoid rash, which is enlarged and scaly, and leaves a scar. A third common type of lupus rash, known as subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus rash, usually appears on sun-exposed skin, and may form ring-like lesions, or look like psoriasis. The lupus rash may worsen with sun exposure.

Lupus Rash Description

Lupus is a disease that affects the immune system of the human body. The immune cells attack the body's own healthy tissue, causing inflammation and tissue damage. Signs and symptoms may be confined to your skin, but more often lupus also triggers internal problems like joint pain. In many cases, it can harm the heart, kidneys and several vital organs. While there is no cure for lupus, there are some treatments that can reduce the damage.

Is It Really Lupus?

Initially, lupus, which attacks the joints, can resemble rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis can also leave you feeling exhausted. Lupus skin rashes, however, are not seen in people with rheumatoid arthritis. There are also special laboratory tests that can help distinguish lupus.

It may be difficult for a lupus doctor to diagnose this disease. It can mimic other illnesses, and its initial presentation varies from person to person. It is not uncommon to have minor signs and symptoms for years before a diagnosis of lupus. There isn't a single test for lupus. There are specific abnormal antibodies that can provide clues to a diagnosis, including antinuclear antibodies (ANA), deoxyribonucleic acid (anti-DNA) antibodies, and anti-Smith antibodies. The white and red blood counts may be low as well as the platelet count. Sometimes a tissue biopsy is essential for a lupus diagnosis.

How Does Lupus Affect The Skin?

People with lupus can have a wide variety of skin problems.

Cutaneous lupus, a skin disease experienced only by people with lupus is called cutaneous lupus. There are three main types:

Subacute cutaneous lupus triggers red scaly rashes or red ring-shaped sores. Usually occurs on the skin that gets hot sun, such as the arms and neck.

Chronic cutaneous lupus (also known as discoid lupus) causes round, disc-shaped sores, generally on the face and scalp. Wounds can leave scars or skin discoloration.

Acute cutaneous lupus causes a butterfly-shaped rash on the nose and cheeks that looks like sunburn (known as malar rash). Sometimes it affects other body parts, such as the arms and legs.

Does Lupus Cause Skin Problems?

Skin symptoms are common in humans with lupus. They affect 70% to 80% of the people who have the condition. Skin problems are the first sign in 20% of lupus patients.

Lupus Butterfly Rash

Considered a sign and symptom of lupus, it is a red -- raised or flat -- butterfly-shaped rash on the nose and cheeks. Usually, there are no signs and symptoms, but some people describe it as a little sore or itchy.

Discoid lupus rash

Discoid lupus is a thick coin-shaped rash that can be dark or red. The hair follicles become clogged with thick skin and scar tissue appears on the sun-exposed areas. Some humans experience mild itching or soreness with this rash.

Sun-sensitive lupus rash on face, arms, chest, and legs

People with lupus develop a rash on areas of the skin exposed to the sun, such as the arms or chest. The rash may be scaly and red, or form a ring in shape. It can be delayed from a few days to several weeks after sun exposure. For some, the rash is itchy.

Treatment of Lupus Rash

The Lupus Foundation of America declare that 66% of human with lupus will develop some form of skin disease. Medicines can help treat a lupus rash, but the treatment option rely on the types and the lupus symptoms. The medication may be a topical, such as a steroid gel or a lupus rash cream. Antimalarial, such as hydroxychloroquine or quinacrine, prednisone, methotrexate, azathioprine, mycophenolate mofetil, and others, may also be used to treat the lupus rash.

Staying in the shade, using sunscreen, and avoiding exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays to protect the skin can also help prevent lupus rashes. The Lupus Foundation of America notes that 40% to 70% of people with lupus find that exposure to UV light makes skin worse.

Skin rashes and other signs of lupus are sometimes triggered by medications, so it's a good idea to tell your doctor about any medications you're currently taking. Your doctor may also recommend skin care products to help you avoid skin damage from a lupus rash.

Early diagnosis and treatment of lupus won't cure the disease, but it will help you control your signs and lower the chance of permanent tissue damage.

Dermatologist for Lupus Rash Treatment on The Skin

To treat skin lupus, a dermatologist will:

- Informs how to protect skin from the hot sun

- Recommending other lifestyle changes

Give medicine, if needed

- Corticosteroids you apply to the skin or you take as pills: These help reduce inflammation and clear the skin.

Medications that have been prescribed by a dermatologist to treat the lupus of your skin include:

Corticosteroids injected by your dermatologist: These can help clear up thick patches on your skin or areas of hair loss.

Steroid-sparing medications you use for skin: These work like corticosteroids to minimize inflammation and clear your skin.

Antimalarial drugs: Developed to treat and prevent malaria, these drugs are also effective at treating lupus on your skin.

Drugs that act on your immune system: These drugs consist of methotrexate, cyclosporine, and mycophenolate mofetil. They can soothe the immune system.

Your lupus treatment plan might include more than one medication. This can improve how well a lupus rash treatment plan works. Its purpose is to cleanse the skin. (aad.org)