Lupus malar rash is a butterfly-shaped rash that affects people with lupus, an autoimmune condition. It appears on the face and can be worsened by sun exposure, lupus flare-ups, or stress. Other symptoms of lupus include joint pain, fever, and fatigue. The rash can vary in severity and duration and is typically caused by sun exposure.
A lupus malar rash is a butterfly-shaped rash that often affects people who have an autoimmune condition called lupus. The rash usually appears on a person’s face and spreads up part of one cheek, across the nose, and onto the other cheek. It may be flat or appear raised from the surface of the skin. Usually, this type or rash does not cause pain or itching, although some people experience itching or burning along with it. A lupus malar rash can be made worse by sun exposure, lupus flare-ups, or even stress.
Lupus is a condition in which a person’s immune system attacks healthy body tissue. The immune system does this because it mistakes healthy tissue for foreign invaders. Symptoms this causes include painful and swollen joints; swollen hands and knees; fever; fatigue; and weight loss. Sometimes a person with this condition may also experience hair loss, seizures, mouth or nose sores, chest pain, and depression. A rash is one of the most recognizable symptoms of lupus and is often one of the first to develop.
The butterfly shape of the rash is familiar to many people. It can, however, appear in different forms. For example, it may cover the bridge of a person’s nose and in some cases just one cheek. Sometimes it can appear on other parts of the body as well. For example, a person may develop a butterfly-shaped rash on their arms or legs. Sometimes a lupus malar rash can also appear on a person’s trunk.
The general appearance of the rash can also vary. Sometimes the rash is severe and has a scaly appearance. When it disappears, it can leave scars in its wake. In other cases, it’s mild and appears to look like a little redness in the area. Also, lupus malar rashes can vary in terms of their duration; sometimes they last a few weeks, but in other cases they can last for months.
A lupus malar rash is typically caused by sun exposure. It follows the path of ultraviolet rays that hit the skin, which is why it is shaped like a butterfly. Avoiding sun exposure and wearing strong sunscreen can help prevent this rash. At the very least, taking these steps can help reduce your risk of aggravating an existing rash.
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