Three million people worldwide have been diagnosed with lupus, an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system attacks the body's organs. Lupus has a number of symptoms that vary from person to person. One of the symptoms is a skin rash which can appear on any part of the body. When a lupus rash appears on the face, it is called a malar rash and appears across the nose and cheeks. A less common facial symptom is the appearance of skin lesions or ulcers.
Types
Lupus facial symptoms can occur with all three main types of lupus: systemic, discoid and drug-induced. Systemic lupus, in which the immune system attacks internal organs, can result in a facial rash. With discoid lupus, the skin is attacked, causing rashes and lesions on different parts of the body, including the face. A facial rash can also occur in response to certain medications. Lupus skin rashes and lesions are commonly known as Cutaneous Lupus.
Characteristics
The lupus facial or malar rash is often one of the first symptoms of systemic lupus. It is commonly called the butterfly rash because of its shape and appearance on the cheeks and across the bridge of the nose. The lupus rash can be flat or raised and pale or bright red and often worsens after exposure to the sun. Lupus discoid, meaning coin-shaped, lesions appear on the body, sometimes including the face. Scaling gives them a whitish appearance and scarring can occur.
Diagnosis
Facial and discoid lesion rashes are often the first lupus symptom to present. Other symptoms of lupus include fatigue, photosensitivity, sores in the mouth, arthritis, and depression. Lupus facial rashes can be mistaken for Rosacea but can be differentiated; besides appearing across the nose and cheeks like with the butterfly rash, Rosacea additionally appears on the nasolabial folds and can include small pimples. Skin lesions can be diagnosed by biopsy.
Treatment
Dermatologists often successfully treat lupus facial symptoms with prescribed corticosteroid cream or injections to reduce swelling and redness. Another component of treatment is the use of sunscreen, which can help avoid breakouts caused by sensitivity to ultraviolet light. Cutaneous lupus has also be treated successfully with argon laser treatments. When a facial rash is a reaction to medication, the rash will disappear once the patient quits taking the medication.
Prevention
Wearing sunscreen and avoiding direct sun can help prevent rash breakouts. Other ways to lessen the flare of rashes or other lupus symptoms are to maintain a healthy diet, exercise regularly, manage stress levels and get plenty of rest. Lupus symptoms can also be managed with prescribed medications that reduce inflammation. With regular care from a physician and attention to lifestyle, many lupus patients remain symptom-free for many years.
Tags: facial rash, across nose, across nose cheeks, butterfly rash, immune system, immune system attacks, including face