Lupus Rash Treatment

Lupus is an umbrella term for autoimmune disorder that affects several parts of the body, including the skin, joints and other internal organs. Like any other autoimmune disease, the body's own immune system attacks the body parts, leading to several symptoms and health complications. This condition is clinically known as Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). As per medical researches, it is estimated that women are at a higher risk of developing lupus disease than men. Also, lupus occurs mostly in the age group between 10 to 50.

Lupus rash, as the term suggests, refers to the skin disorder symptoms manifested due to lupus disease. It is observed in more than 90 percent patients with a lupus disorder. The symptoms of lupus rash may differ from one individual to another. However, in all patients, lupus rash is triggered after being exposed to harsh sunlight. Depending upon the severity and the diagnostic result, the doctor recommends the best lupus rash treatment option. More on what is lupus.

Causes and Symptoms of Lupus Rash
As of now, the exact cause of skin rash from lupus is not identified. In majority of the patients, a genetic factor plays a major role in causing lupus rash. Nevertheless, in a few patients, there is no history of genetic predisposition to lupus. Considering these issues, it is concluded that both hereditary and environmental factors are responsible for causing lupus rash. Read more on what causes lupus.

Appearance of lupus rash is the early sign for systemic and discoid lupus disease. The latter lupus form affects larger skin areas and causes hyper-pigmentation, scaling, exfoliation and crusting. Though the lupus rash can occur in any part of the body, the notable areas include face (especially nose and mouth), neck, scalp and shoulders. Persistent redness of the cheeks caused by lupus is known as malar blush. Common symptoms of lupus rash include red skin patches, skin rashes, painful skin lesions and raised nodules. Presence of lupus rash in the scalp can lead to temporary loss of hair.

Treatment for Lupus Rash
Being a chronic disease, the manifested signs and symptoms of lupus may reoccur at regular intervals. However, in most patients, lupus rash is persistent and very difficult to treat. Though there are some effective therapeutic options for alleviating the symptoms, there is no cure for lupus disease and lupus rash. Lupus rash treatment is done based on the type of rash.

Topical Treatment
Topical treatment of lupus rash involve application of ointments and creams containing steroids over the affected areas. Mild rash symptoms can be treated by using hydrocortisone, while that of severe cases, application strong betamethasone is recommended. Overall, topical treatment for lupus rash is most successful if diagnosed in the early stages.

Oral Treatment
Another option for lupus rash treatment is administration of oral medication. This oral treatment is essential for controlling recurrent onset of lupus rash. Antimalarial, slow acting drugs, are effective for reducing skin problems resulted due to lupus disease. The course of such medications may be several months long, but on completion, the results are mostly positive.

Injections
If necessary, the physician may prescribe an injection shot to treat lupus rash. Basically, long lasting steroid injections are delivered for painful skin lesions and discoid lupus rash treatment. Doing so aids in quick healing of the troublesome lupus rash. As there are several side effects of steroid injections, this should be considered as the last option when topical ointments and antimalarial do not show prompt results. Read more on treatment for lupus.

In brief, lupus rash treatment is essential to avoid severe complications. Care has to be taken while applying topical steroids in the face, as it can lead to the formation of scars and other skin problems. Doctors are also of the opinion that certain drugs and medication can trigger lupus rash. If such is the case, replacing the current medication is a necessary step to alleviate the symptoms of lupus rash. Medical research is still ongoing to study the relation of lupus rash with other health conditions and ways for preventing the health risks of lupus.