Lupus Face Rash
Signs of a lupus face rash are a complex subject because a lupus rash on face can come and go and vary in intensity over time. That is why it's not rare that people often go for years without knowing that they actually have a lupus skin rash. A lupus face rash could also be a lupus butterfly rash or lupus malar rash.Signs of a lupus skin rash
The most common signs of lupus on the skin is the characteristic red lupus body rash (often called the malar rash lupus or lupus butterfly rash) that usually appears across the nose and cheeks. Besides the face, a lupus rash on body may also appear on the face and the ears, shoulders, chest, hands and upper arms. there may also be a lupus rash on hands. This rashes often first appear after intense sun exposure or worsen after it.
What is a Lupus Malar rash or Lupus Butterfly Rash?
Derived from the Latin word 'mala' which means cheekbone, the Malar or Butterfly rash is a kind of skin condition typically characterized by the appearance of rashes across the cheekbones and over the bridge of the nose. These rashes are usually red or purple in color in either a blotchy pattern or completely red over the affected area, and can be flat or raised in nature. The rash can be mild or severe but is not usually painful. It can be itchy if it is more like a rash than a blush and some patients even report a `hot' feeling with more severe malar rashes.
It is called the lupus butterfly rash because of its butterfly-like shape. Because this particular Malar rash is typical in those suffering from SEE (systemic lupus erythematosus), but even then in only around 40% of patients, it is the primary reason that most lupus organizations have the butterfly as their symbol.
There are many types of rashes and each has its own characteristics and causes. One kind of facial rash is called a malar rash in the medical field, but it is more commonly known as the butterfly rash. The rash gets its unusual name from the fact that it always appears on the face where it spreads across both cheeks and the bridge of the nose, which forms a shape very similar to that of a butterfly.
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Butterfly rashes are usually linked back to another condition called systemic lupus erythematosus, but this unique rash can also be a symptom of other disorders like Bloom Syndrome, rosacea, Pellagra and dermatomyositis. All have different causes and special tests have to be performed to find out the root of the problem. It has also been shown that certain activities can also trigger the appearance of a butterfly rash, though. This includes being in chlorinated water found in swimming pools, spending time outside, exposure to sunlight or even taking certain medications that cause an adverse reaction.
Besides the distinctive shape and the location of a butterfly rash, there are also other signs that appear. The rash itself is almost always reddish to purple in color and it sometimes appears to be scaly. Just how visible and scaly the rash is depends on how intense it is and the severity also determines just how discolored the skin will be. In mild cases of butterfly rash, the skin discoloration is mild, but in severe cases it is not unheard of for the rash to actually be bright red and climb up to and around the eyes.
Although a butterfly rash can look extremely irritated, it is fortunately not itchy or painful. People suffering from this type of rash, though, are often very self-conscious and feel uncomfortable going out when this rash breaks out since it is very visible. This unwanted attention from others can even lead to social problems in extreme cases.
The treatment of a butterfly rash is dependent upon the cause and that has to be determined before any medications can be prescribed. Since the causes range from nutrient deficiency to autoimmune disorders or even chromosomal disorders, it is necessary to have the right examinations and testing done. Specialists can help to determine if it is genetic or not, but the patient suffering from butterfly rashes can also help by keeping a journal on the outbreak. It is important for any doctor to know when the rash appears, what was being done when it occurred and even how long it lasts once it appears.
One of the most effective ways to deal with a butterfly rash is to take an anti-inflammatory drug. This almost always reduces the rash intensity and since there are several drugs in this class to choose from, it is possible to find one that will not cause the patient other negative side effects. Other options include dietary changes or applying topical creams. However, if the discoloration is not severe and the patient is not bothered by their appearance, the most recommended treatment is to simply wait for it to disappear.
Signs of lupus - kidney involvement
Probably the most commonly involved organ in lupus inflammation is the kidney. As lupus progresses, it gets inflamed (this is called nephritis) and this affects its ability to get rid of waste in the human system. This then causes a number of disturbances in the way the human body works, because of the crucial importance of the body cleansing that the kidneys are in charged of.
And this would all not be that scary if it was easy to recognize that lupus is causing the inflammation in the kidneys, but it is anything but easy. Most of the time the patient has no symptoms and only in rare cases, people get swollen joints. The only reliable way of knowing that your kidneys are in danger is an urine test. One can only hope that some symptoms will appear before lupus damages the kidneys beyond repair.
Signs of lupus - central nervous system
If you CNS is affected by lupus, you will experience headaches, dizziness, memory disturbances, vision problems, seizures or even stroke.
Signs of lupus - blood and blood vessels
Very often lupus patients develop anemia as the disease progresses, leucopenia (low number of white blood cells) or thrombocytophenia (low number of blood platelets. Also, an increased risk of blood clot sis present.
If the blood vessels get inflamed the doctors call this vasculitis and this can change the patterns of blood circulation. Vasculitis can range from mild, when no treatment might be necessary, to severe, where urgent medical attention is required.
Signs of lupus in the heart
When lupus affects the heart muscle, several scenarios might occur. The patient might develop myocarditis and endocarditis (inflammation in the heart itself) or pericarditis (inflammation of the membrane that surround the heart). This can cause sever chest pain and discomfort.
Other signs of lupus
Among other manifestations of lupus, the most common ones are: fatigue, fever, swollen glands, ulcers in the mouth, hair loss, chest pain and sun sensitivity.
Lupus causes and treatment is a subject of controversy. This is mainly due to the fact that there has been little or no advance in the filed for such a long time. Some alternative treatment methods, such as the well known Norton protocol, are reported to be successful in treating this mysterious disease. Read more about the Norton Protocol by clicking here and visiting the official home page of the protocol.
Having the disease doesn't mean experiencing all these symptoms at the same time. Signs of lupus come and go they are not permanent. Like the thief l mentioned at the beginning, you don't know what time the symptoms or signs will occur and you don't know what part of your body will become affected. Though it's hard to know who the thief and how will he intends to rob you, being aware of signs such as barking dogs, suspicious footstep or cracking sounds at your door will signal and alert you to call the police. Similarly, being fully informed about the signs and occurrence of this thief-like disease will prompt you to see your doctor if not to seek for immediate remedies to avoid serious complications in the future.
Very often lupus patients develop anemia as the disease progresses, leucopenia (low number of white blood cells) or thrombocytophenia (low number of blood platelets. Also, an increased risk of blood clot sis present.
If the blood vessels get inflamed the doctors call this vasculitis and this can change the patterns of blood circulation. Vasculitis can range from mild, when no treatment might be necessary, to severe, where urgent medical attention is required.
Signs of lupus in the heart
When lupus affects the heart muscle, several scenarios might occur. The patient might develop myocarditis and endocarditis (inflammation in the heart itself) or pericarditis (inflammation of the membrane that surround the heart). This can cause sever chest pain and discomfort.
Other signs of lupus
Among other manifestations of lupus, the most common ones are: fatigue, fever, swollen glands, ulcers in the mouth, hair loss, chest pain and sun sensitivity.
Lupus causes and treatment is a subject of controversy. This is mainly due to the fact that there has been little or no advance in the filed for such a long time. Some alternative treatment methods, such as the well known Norton protocol, are reported to be successful in treating this mysterious disease. Read more about the Norton Protocol by clicking here and visiting the official home page of the protocol.
Having the disease doesn't mean experiencing all these symptoms at the same time. Signs of lupus come and go they are not permanent. Like the thief l mentioned at the beginning, you don't know what time the symptoms or signs will occur and you don't know what part of your body will become affected. Though it's hard to know who the thief and how will he intends to rob you, being aware of signs such as barking dogs, suspicious footstep or cracking sounds at your door will signal and alert you to call the police. Similarly, being fully informed about the signs and occurrence of this thief-like disease will prompt you to see your doctor if not to seek for immediate remedies to avoid serious complications in the future.