Lupus rash is a symptom of a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease called lupus. The disease is marked by attack of the healthy organs and tissues of the body by the immune system. Lupus related inflammation can affect a variety of body systems such as the skin, joints, blood cells, kidneys, heart, brain, and lungs, etc.
The most characteristic symptom of lupus is the butterfly shaped rash that appears on the face and covers the cheeks and nasal bridge. However, the rash does not occur in all instances of lupus. The disease is difficult to diagnose due to the fact that most of its symptoms are similar to other illnesses.
Some individuals may have a genetic predisposition for lupus which can then be activated by certain medicines, infections, or sunlight. Lupus has no cure and treatment is focused at management of symptoms.
Is lupus rash contagious?
Lupus rash is not contagious. It does not spread from one individual to another via physical contact, or by touching lupus rash or other lesions on skin.
However, the symptoms of lupus and their intensity in a patient may exacerbate over time. Also, lupus rash may spread to other areas of the body in a patient over time.
Types of lupus
Lupus is classified into the following types:
- When only the skin is affected by the formation of a lupus rash, then it is called cutaneous lupus erythematosus or lupus dermatitis.
- A type of lupus dermatitis that affects just the skin system without affecting internal tissues is known as discoid lupus.
- When lupus adversely affects the internal organ systems, then it is known as SLE/Systemic lupus erythematosus.
Symptoms of lupus rash
Signs and symptoms of lupus may occur unexpectedly, form gradually, may be short-term or last for a long time, and can be severe or mild. Each instance of lupus disease is different from another in another patient.
Most patients suffer from mild forms of lupus with flares or regular episodes, wherein the symptoms worsen for some time and then get better or even completely clear out for some time.
Symptoms accompanying lupus rash are dependent on the body systems affected by the inflammatory disease. Common symptoms are listed below:
- A lupus rash on face; it is shaped like a butterfly with open wings that spread across the cheeks and the nasal bridge.
- Stiffness, pain, and swelling in the joints
- Fever
- Fatigue, lethargy, tiredness
- Skin lesions or lupus rash that is photosensitive, i.e., it deteriorates with exposure to sunlight
- Breathlessness
- Raynaud’s phenomenon, i.e., fingers and toes turn bluish or whitish due to increased stress or exposure to cold
- Pain in the chest region
- Confusion, loss of memory
- Headaches
- Dry eyes
Causes
Lupus rash is caused when the immune system mistakes healthy tissue to be invading the body and attacks them. It is postulated that the disease occur due to a combination of genetic predisposition and the environment. Thus, people with inherited lupus genetic predisposition may develop lupus after exposure to triggers in the environment.
A few triggers that may activate the formation of lupus rash are listed below:
- An underlying infection may activate a new case of lupus or trigger a relapse
- Sunlight exposure can cause formation of lupus rash or skin lesions or activate internal adverse reactions in some patients
- Lupus rash may occur as a side effect of medications like hypertension drugs, anti-seizure medicines, and antibiotics. In cases of drug-induced lupus, the rash and other symptoms disappear after patient stops taking the culprit medicines.
Lupus rash commonly affects more women than men. It is more common in Asians, Hispanics, and African Americans. It can occur in people of all age groups, but is often diagnosed in age group of 15 to 40 year olds.
Treatment of lupus rash
There is no cure for lupus. Treatment of the disease is aimed at controlling and managing the symptoms and its severity levels.
Some of the medications used for lupus rash and other symptoms are listed below:
- OTC or prescription NSAIDs/Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for alleviation of swelling, pain, and fever
- Corticosteroids can reduce inflammation, but is accompanied by many prolonged side effects.
- Antimalarial medications may also be recommended by doctors
- For severe instances of lupus rash, doctors may prescribe immunosuppressants for suppressing the immune system
Some self-care guidelines that can help manage the symptoms are as follows:
- Go for regular checkups
- Use sunscreens and wear protective apparels like long pants, long-sleeved tops/shirts, and hat, etc. when going outside.
- Fatigue is a common symptom of lupus. Hence, take sufficient rest and lots of sleep. Patients may also take some breaks during the day when working.
- Regular exercising can improve general health and decrease the risk of flares
- Eating a healthy diet full of veggies, fruits, and whole grains
- Smoking can aggravate the effects of lupus on the blood vessels and heart. Hence, quit smoking.
