Butterfly Rash treatment

[netherthong]

Hi all, diagnosed with Lupus 3 months ago, had 2 months on steroids and now on another medication, the name of which I cannot say never mind spell!! My problem today is that the butterfly rash is beginning to appear on my face, so how do I deal with it and is there any treatment for it, or is it permanent? My forearms are also beginning to itch, I'm taking sudden gasps of breath, never had that before, lost my appetite as well and generally not feeling well today, any suggestion about the rash would be welcome, thank you.

[Bronagh2015]

50+ sun protection all day everyday, if it becomes extremely red and burning your GP can prescribe hydrocortisone 1% cream.

[netherthong in reply to Bronagh2015]

Hi Bronagh2015, many thanks for your reply and I will follow your advice 👍

[katidid]

Are you applying sunscreen all over (not just face and neck)? Try a > SPF 50 spray over all your body under your clothes. And stay in the shade. If that doesn’t work, try making sure you’re not getting to hot and keep exertion levels low. Also, and this is a big one, track your stress levels. Almost everyone here will tell you that stress triggers the rash just as much as the sun.

If it persists, especially if you’re on steroids, then I would see a dermatologist and your primary ASAP. It may be something else. Not at all unheard of to have multiple skin conditions. Good to rule out that your meds aren’t causing it and it’s not related to other symptoms, too.

[Chanpreet_Walia LUPUS UK]

Hi Netherthong,

According to The Lupus Encyclopaedia, the rash of acute cutaneous lupus which includes the ‘malar rash’ (butterfly rash) can “last a few hours, a few weeks or sometimes longer”. A malar rash is generally not permanent; it often appears when disease activity is higher or when exposed to certain triggers such as UV light.

To find out how rashes can be treated, you can read our booklet on lupus and the skin here: lupusuk.org.uk/wp-content/u...

Many people with lupus experience a flare of their symptoms when exposed to sunlight. We published an article on our blog about coping with light sensitivity which you may like to read here: lupusuk.org.uk/coping-with-...

We published an article on our blog about coping with itchy rashes; the article contains helpful tips and information which you can read here lupusuk.org.uk/coping-with-... .

Have you spoken to your GP or rheumatologist about the symptoms you are experiencing?

If in doubt, it is always worth speaking to your doctor as he/she can provide you with the correct advice and treatment. Also, the doctor may refer you to a specialist such as physiotherapist or pulmonary specialist if required.

We published a factsheet on ‘LUPUS: The Heart and Lungs’ which you may find helpful: lupusuk.org.uk/wp-content/u...

Please let us know how you get on, wishing you all the best.

[netherthong]

Sorry for delay in replying but Thankyou for your reply, it was most helpful .