The Lupus Rash
One telltale sign of lupus is the very well known lupus butterfly rash. This rash commonly extends from one cheek over the nose to the other cheek. Because of this distinctive shape, it was been given the name butterfly rash. It is also called a malar rash. The rash was named lupus because early physicians believed that the rash looked a lot like the bite of a wolf, and lupus is the Latin word for wolf.
The Butterfly Rash
Dr. Ferdinand von Hebra first documented the familiar butterfly rash in the 1840s. This Viennese physician explained his theory on the lupus rash. He felt that the angle the rash fell was an indication of how the sun was shining when the person was exposed to it. Although some claimed that the rash was no more than sunburn, the doctor was able to easily explain the difference. This rash occurs because the body’s immune system attacks the skin instead of protecting it.
Who Gets the Rash?
First, it is important to note that not all individuals who have lupus will have the butterfly rash- that is a common misconception. Those who suffer from systemic lupus erythematosus, commonly called SLE, are more likely to have the rash. It can be anything from deep red color to just a hint of discoloration. It can be flat to the touch, have small bumps or be scaly. The rash can also be seen on a person’s trunk or their arms and legs.
Those with discoid lupus tend to have a different kind of rash. The rash pattern is usually in the shape of disks, which is why it was given this name. They are almost always thicker than other lupus rashes and have a raised crust around them. These rashes can leave scars when they heal and may appear all over the body, including the scalp.
Causes of the Rash
Lupus sufferers who are prone to rashes know that exposure to ultra violet light often causes the rashes to reappear or worsen. If you need to be outside during peak sunshine hours you should wear protective clothing. This includes wearing long sleeves, pants or long skirts and hats. You should also use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. Tanning booths may also cause the rash to reappear.
Remission
Since lupus is a chronic condition without a cure, the only thing that can be done when you have an outbreak of the rash is to treat it until it goes into remission. This remission can last anywhere from months to years, but lupus can reoccur at any time. If you see the rash coming back this is a sign that your disease is about to flare up and you should see your health care provider as soon as possible. Lupus rashes can be treated with medication to alleviate the discomfort and appearance for the sufferer.
