Butterfly Rash

Lupus Rash

Just what exactly is Lupus? When your body’s immune system begins to attack healthy tissues and organs, this is a chronic inflammatory disease known as lupus. There are 4 types of lupus. The most common and serious type is systemic lupus erythematosus. The other 3 are drug induced erythematosus, discoid lupus erythematosus and neonatal lupus. The days of a gloomy outlook  gone. With proper lupus treatment, active lives can be lead for most people with lupus.

There are lupus symptoms that range from sudden to slow, mild to severe, and temporary to permanent. There are no two cases that are the same. The signs and symptoms may include fatigue, fever, weight loss or gain, joint pain, stiffness and swelling, Butterfly Rash (malar rash) on the cheeks and bridge of the nose area, skin lesions that may worsen by sun exposure, mouth sores, hair loss, fingers or toes that turn color because of cold or stress, shortness of breath, chest pain, eyes being dry, easy bruising, anxiety, depression and even memory loss.

You are probably wondering when you should see your doctor. If you develope an unexplained Butterfly Rash, a fever that won’t break, constant fatigue and aching, then set up an appointment and tell your doctor what’s going on. Lupus sufferers typically will develope a skin condition referred to as a Butterfly Rash, this is due to the the shape of the rash. If the lupus rash is on the face it is easier to recognize and seek treatment. It can also be on the upper body, shoulders and arms of some people.

What causes lupus? Although the cause of lupus is not known, research seems to show that genes play a significant role. Lupus is an autoimmune type of disease, the body doesn’t just attack bad bacteria and viruses, but will strike against the healthy tissues in the body as well.  Various parts of the body will be damaged and inflamed due to a combination of genetics and environment. Lupus disease can also cause mental illness, heart problems, kidney disease, nervous system and blood vessel problems, swelling and anemia.

For a detailed analysis on the differnet types of lupus, how to recognize them and why/how it is crucial to address them differently, check out Dr. Gary M. Levin M.D.

The Butterfly Rash, which is also referred to as a malar rash or lupus rash, is a facial skin condition commonly associated with the auto immune disorder, lupus. In this article I will explain what this rash looks like, how it is caused,  the diagnosis process and common remedies.

If you would like to learn more about your Butterfly Rash, it’s chemical triggers and methods to clear your skin, check out:  Dr. Gary M. Levin M.D.

The Butterfly Rash earned its name from its appearance.  It is a red and often times slightly scaly condition that is most commonly found on both cheeks of the face and connected across the bridge of the nose.  In fact, the medical name malar, means jaw or cheekbone.  For many people, a malar rash can be triggered or even intensified by exposure to the sun.

Although this type of rash can be caused by a variety of sources,  it is a telltale sign of Lupus Erythematosus.  Other conditions that can lead to a Butterfly Rash include Dermatomyositis, Bloom Syndrome, Seborrhea Dermatitis and Erysipelas.

A few lupus symptoms besides a Butterfly Rash include fatigue, pain from stiffness or swelling in joints, kidney infections, depression, anxiety,  chest pain, memory loss, fever and more. Also, persons suffering from this disease can develop Neurological disorders such as  seizures, convulsions and confusion.

Treatment for Malar Rashes can include creams, sunscreen, developing a more healthy diet, and insuring the patient is getting adequate rest to help the body function better. There are also oral drugs that doctors can prescribe. Once diagnosed the doctor will recommend some or all of these in order to help remedie this rash.

I know you are asking just how long do these rashes last. Once diagnosed and treatment is started it usually takes a week or longer for the rash to go away. With topical application, lifestyle modification and sunscreen protection, malar rashes normally disappear within a month. Acute Malar Rashes may last for months and leave scars even after complete treatment, so it is highly recommended that people seek treatment as quickly as possible.

For detailed information on this issue visit:  Dr. Gary M. Levin M.D.