Lupus Butterfly Rash

Lupus butterfly rash affects more than half of the patients suffering from systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The shape of the skin rash is characterized by the shape that is similar to that of a butterfly, hence the name, 'butterfly rash'.The classic rash is seen on the cheeks and is therefore also known as malar rash. The development of butterfly rash is the first sign of lupus.

What is Lupus?

Wondering what is lupus. Lupus is an autoimmune disease that causes the immune system to attack the body's cells and organs. This leads to dysfunction and damage of the organs. The organs that are prone to damage are brain, lungs, kidneys, liver, tissues, skin, joints and blood vessels. It is seen in women more often than men and affects people in the age group of 15 to 50 years.

The lupus butterfly rash was first observed in 1840s by a Dr. Ferdinand von Hebra in Vienna. He said lupus butterfly rash on face was a symptom of lupus that was caused due to the angle on the stream of sunlight that hit the face. The appearance of the rash was due to the immune system attacking the healthy skin tissue and could be differentiated from sun burns, due to its shape.

You can observe butterfly rash on the arms, legs and trunk in the same pattern. It rarely itches and is not associated with any kind of pain. One may sometimes feel a burning sensation on the rash. The butterfly rash is a symptom of lupus and can indicate the disease. In people who are detected with lupus, the butterfly rash that flares up after a period of remission may be a sign that the lupus is attacking the healthy skin.

Symptoms

The symptoms are mild to severe. The mild symptoms are slightly blush-like and can be a scaly rash in case of severe rash. The butterfly rash may be seen only for a few days or may last for months. The rash is seen on the cheeks and nose and may be flat or raised. It may appear and get worse with exposure to sun (photo sensitivity) or increase to the other parts of the skin, due to stress. It may be very light in color that looks as if there is slight brush of color on the cheeks or it may be dark red in color. The rash shows the angle of the sun shining on the face of the person.

Treatment

You can prevent lupus butterfly rash by wearing a wide-brimmed hat outdoors. If you are already suffering from the problem, avoid going outside when the sun is hottest during the day. You should wear UVA and UVB sunscreen with SPF of 30, when you travel outdoors. Use a sun shade for windows to prevent sunrays from falling on your skin.

This is a chronic disease that has no known cure. The treatment is mostly symptomatic and involves prevention of flares and reducing their severity. The doctor may advice non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and antimalarial drugs to treat the symptoms involving SLE. Disease modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) may be used to help reduce the flare-ups and the process of disease.

Immunosuppressive drugs are prescribed in case of severe cases that help in controlling the disease and preventing the recurrence of symptoms. You need to avoid sunlight as much as possible, as it aggravates the symptoms. You should avoid exposure to silica, pesticides, and mercury. You need to change your diet to a low-fat, vegetarian diet to lessen the lupus symptoms.

Pregnant mothers with lupus should be under doctors care throughout pregnancy as babies can get neonatal lupus, although it is rare. To avoid any complications mothers should follow doctors advice until delivery. In case of natural treatment, you can try applying vitamin E oil on the affected area. You should let the oil stay on the rash for 15 to 20 minutes and then rinse off with cold water. You can also try applying cod liver oil or olive oil on lupus butterfly rash. To reduce irritation, apply a little baking soda on the affected area.

You can add 2 cups of oatmeal during a warm water bath, in your bathtub and soak yourself in the water for 20 to 30 minutes everyday. Fresh aloe vera gel applied on the rash, 2 to 3 times a day can help reduce the pain and aid in the healing process.

You should visit the doctor immediately, if you observe butterfly rash for the first time. Timely treatment will help control the disease and reduce the flare-ups of butterfly rash on skin.