Lupus, also known as systemic lupus erythematosus or SLE, is an autoimmune disease, chronic in nature and is known to cause inflammation. The immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues and organs of the body, which results in the condition known as autoimmune disease. In fact, lupus is one of the most common autoimmune diseases.
Inflammation can be a symptom of lupus in many different parts of the body, including the skin, joints, kidneys, brain, blood cells, heart and lungs. Because lupus tends to elicit signs and symptoms that seem to be similar to those presented by a range of different disorders, it can be rather challenging to arrive at a diagnosis of lupus.
Lupus can cause two distinct types of rashes. These rashes are known as –
1. Butterfly rashes, which appear on the face, and
2. Discoid rashes, which appear elsewhere on the body.
The appearance of rash is one of the symptoms of lupus. Flares are the outward manifestations of lupus on the skin
These symptoms appear here and there, just for a brief period of time, and then they fade away, only to reappear later.
Table of Contents
Lupus Rash – Symptoms and Signs
The following is a list of symptoms of lupus rash:
1. Butterfly Rash on Face
It is a peculiar rash that appears on the face and spreads across the cheeks as well as the bridge of the nose. It can be seen anywhere on the face. The name of this distinctive rash caused by lupus comes from the fact that it resembles the flapping wings of a butterfly.
The rash is macular with distinct borders. It does not cause any itching, and has a purplish or reddish tint. It is also typified by a slightly scaly texture. The rash can also spread to other parts of the face.
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2. Discoid Rash
The rashes have a circular look that is easily recognizable. The scalp, face, and neck are the typical sites of infection for this condition. These rashes are capable of developing into lesions.
Rashes caused by discoid lupus are typically thick, reddish, scaly, and irritating, and they have distinct borders. Scarring of the afflicted skin may occur after healing has taken place.
Rashes are just one of the many signs and symptoms associated with lupus; there are many others.
These symptoms suggest that there are abnormalities present in a variety of tissues and organs throughout the body.
They are as follows:
- Increased levels of both weariness and weakness
- An increase in the number of cases of fever
- The development of skin lesions that become more severe following exposure to sunlight
- The appearance of ulcers inside and outside of the mouth
- Discomfort, inflammation, and/or stiffness in the joints
- Unexplained changes in weight – loss or gain.
- Chest pain
- Headache
- Dryness of the eyes
- Skin that is delicate and prone to bruising as a result of this fragility
- White or blue discoloration of the toes and fingers can be caused by prolonged exposure to low temperatures or high levels of stress.
- Lack of breath or a fast breathing rate
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Lapses in memory, forgetfulness or a disoriented feeling followed by confusion.
- Anxiety, despair, and various other mental illnesses to an extreme degree
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In its latter phases, the rash associated with lupus may be accompanied with symptoms that point to the presence of abnormalities in particular organs.
The following are the signs:
There is a risk of significant renal damage, possibly even kidney failure, which can lead to fatalities.
Inflammation of the kidneys can result in symptoms such as swelling in the leg, chest pain, generalized itching, nausea, and vomiting.
Inflammation of the blood vessels, also known as vasculitis, can occur, in addition to a variety of blood abnormalities, including anemia, blood loss, and issues with blood coagulation.
Pleurisy, often known as inflammation of the chest cavity wall, may develop as a complication.
Because of this, breathing can become difficult and even excruciating.
Hallucinations, headaches, cognitive impairment, dizziness, behavioral abnormalities, memory loss, and even strokes or seizures are all possible side effects of brain inflammation brought on by a rash caused by lupus.
Rash caused by lupus can sometimes be accompanied with inflammation of the heart membrane, as well as inflammation of the heart’s arteries and muscles. Because of this, there is a potential for an increased risk of heart attacks and other cardiovascular problems.
Inflammation of various tissues and organs of the body that is associated with lupus can also result in a compromised immune system, which can cause a variety of health complications including miscarriages and other pregnancy-related issues, death of bone tissue; and an increased risk of infections and cancers.
What causes a rash in lupus?
There is no recognized cause of the rash associated with lupus.
However, it is considered that those with a genetic predisposition to develop immune system problems are more likely to acquire lupus rash after being exposed to certain triggers, which are listed below:
Certain types of medicinal products – After a patient stops using the medications, the rash associated with lupus and the symptoms it causes become less severe and eventually disappear entirely.
Excessive sun exposure
Excessive smoking, infections with the Epstein-Barr virus,and contact with mercury, silica or other similarly dangerous compounds are also risk factors.
Women and people of Asian, African American, and Hispanic origin are more likely to develop a rash associated with lupus than other demographic groups.
Acne, erysipelas, Bloom Syndrome,pellagra, rosacea, seborrheic dermatitis and dermatomyositis are just few of the many skin conditions that may be present.
Lupus Rash Treatment
Rashes caused by lupus and the symptoms that accompany it can be treated with a variety of drugs, including those that are listed below:
- In order to alleviate the severity of the symptoms, corticosteroids and antimalarial medications may be prescribed.
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines have been shown to be effective in reducing symptoms including fever, discomfort, and inflammation.
- Immunosuppressants are a potential treatment option for more severe cases of lupus rash.
- Organ-related damage is treated as per the underlying conditions and the severity of accompanying symptoms
- One can avoid or limit exposure to the many triggers of lupus and thereby help reduce the flare-ups. A healthy diet and regular exercising also help.
Authoritative Clinical References
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK535405/
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