Facial rash

[cathART]

This is the rash I’ve been getting in last 3 months, only when I’ve been in the sun (not my best look I know 🙄, I was feeling pretty awful too). It becomes quite scaly and flaky and goes away after about a week (and stays away if I make sure I’m covered. An hour in the sun last week and it was back and had awful fatigue for 2 days. I have lots of other common symptoms but just had negative ANA result from GP

[NeuronerdDoaty]

I find witch hazel with a cotton swab helps almost all my rashes. Always wear sunscreen when outside. It doesn’t matter skin tone but us Nordic white people really get fried.

[cathART in reply to NeuronerdDoaty]

Thanks, I’ll try some.

[KayHimm]

I think seeing a dermatologist would be the best route. Did you show these photos to the rheumatologist? Surprised he did not recommend seeing a dermatologist. Dermatologists know a lot about lupus, too, and are often called upon to say whether rashes are consistent with lupus.

I fear a second rheumatologist appointment at this point may not get you any farther. A dermatologist can biopsy your rash or just make a diagnosis from the appearance. I know our health systems are stretched, but you need a dermatologist for your rash whether it is lupus or something else.

Take the doctor and debris’s notes about your ulcer and the photos to the dermatologist.

Ask your GP what they think.

Hope you get some help with all this.

K

[KayHimm in reply to KayHimm]

I meant the dentist’s notes that had your ulcer diagnosis

[cathART in reply to KayHimm]

I’ve only seen my GP, had ANA test, came back negative. Seeing her again in a month, she’s going to ask a colleague about whether or not I should be referred.

[KayHimm in reply to cathART]

A GP, at least according to standards in the U.S., should not order an ANA unless there is high suspicion of autoimmune disease. Sounds like your doctor was very on top of things. Who would know how to talk about symptoms that lasted twenty years?!

Hang in there. Your GP will be able to work with you on the next step.

K

[cathART in reply to KayHimm]

Thanks - appreciate your input x

[NeuronerdDoaty in reply to KayHimm]

She’s right. My derm is the one who told me witch hazel but I always get everything checked for safety.

[Weeg23]

My partner gets this around his nose and near his eyebrows. I think it is seborrhoeic dermatitis. He also gets it when the weather is cold. Gets quite flaky and dry looking. I have been putting bees wax on it and it seems to be really helping. It is very healing ,soothing and moisturising for the skin.

[cathART in reply to Weeg23]

Hi thanks for this. Just looked up sebaceous dermatitis. Looks similar on some photos but mine’s not itchy (don’t even feel it, only when it’s going away does it become slightly flaky) and only appears when exposed to sunlight, goes away within days as long as I keep covered. Says sunlight can help clear up sebaceous dermatitis.

[Weeg23 in reply to cathART]

My boyfriends doesnt itch either. Sun light made his worse so i donr think thats always the case

[cathART in reply to Weeg23]

Does his stay away completely if not exposed to sun? Mine disappears altogether. I’m only asking as I’m in the middle of trying to get a diagnosis-

Thanks

[Weeg23 in reply to cathART]

Yes hope that helps

[Sezian]

A butterfly rash is a known symptom of lupus and often how it is diagnosed. I believe a mild steroid based cream mixed into a bland base cream can help though may need some antibiotics if infected

[cathART in reply to Sezian]

Thanks