Possible lupus in 4 year old?

[Meggdarce]

Every summer since my daughter was 6 months old she has gotten this rash after being in the sun for an extended time. The rash is only on her face. she will also sometimes have a bit of redness in her ear.

A pediatric dermatologist diagnosed it as neonatal lupus. The only thing with that is that it should have disappeared by now (she’s 4). So I’m wondering if anyone who has lupus has a similar rash.

Every year I think she has outgrown it but then She usually breaks out bad after being at the beach when we go on vacation. It typically fades after that unless we spend another long day in the sun.

Her current and past pediatrician weren’t sure but we are going to a rheumatologist to rule out a few things. I wanted to see if anyone had any insight while we wait for appt.

Thanks!

[Roarah]

Beautiful girl!

You are doing everything right. Investigation does take a while and with a child it is important to follow all the steps. Remain positive while waiting and hope it is just a rash, kids do get a lot of rashes that is for sure but with her history and it does resemble a malar rash in the photo it is important to do the lab work on her.

Just a thought while you are waiting to rule out lupus. Have you always used the same face cream on her in the sun? If so maybe try switching to see if it might be an allergic reaction. My daughter gets eczema, from certain brands,which is inflamed and bumpy. Again with your daughter's history a follow up with a pediatric rheumie is important.

Xo

[Meggdarce in reply to Roarah]

Thank you so much for your response!! So interesting, We have always used the same sunscreen!! Although I don’t always apply if we aren’t going to be out long (she has her fathers nice Italian skin lol) so I’m not sure if it has shown up on days we didn’t apply, I will have to keep an eye on that and maybe switch to a different brand.

I really hope so, I’d hate for her to have this diagnosis at such a young age. Her father has RA and I had a positive ANA but never had any further testing done.

[Hidden]

👋 Meggdarce,

Very sorry and uncertain about this. As you know lupus can manifest itself in so many different, complex ways?!

There are many degrees, patterns and shades of the “malar rash” but i’ve noticed some slightly raised red spots particularly on the L/cheek?

The malar red rash is a classic sign and symptom but so are others? You need specialist consultant dermatology advice and specialist blood tests to confirm this.

Sunlight is a known trigger/exacerbator for lupus and I would advise factor 50 sunblock/sun cream (SUNSENSE ULTRA hypoallergenic) as prescribed by NHS doctors plus wide brimmed hat etc.

Please always take care in the 🌞!

All lupus sufferers are typically sunlight sensitive and MUST take care when outdoors.

As a lupus sufferer myself I’m always anxious about lupus development/triggering in both granddaughter(2y) and daughter but it’s not inevitable that they will definitely develop lupus. The genetics of lupus is not as yet confirmed but as responsible and intelligent sufferers, parents, relatives, carers etc we should all be careful with known environmental risk factors like sunlight (well known/established).

Hope the paediatric consultation goes well but your daughter will still require confirmatory blood test results interpretation from a specialist lupus 👨‍⚕️ 👩‍⚕️.

All the best,

Regards,

Alexa

[Paul_Howard Partner LUPUS UK]

Hi Meggdarce ,

I'm sorry to hear that your daughter has been experiencing this rash. You are right that this could no longer be neonatal lupus syndrome as any lupus antibodies you may have would have cleared from her blood after six months.

Has your daughter experienced any other symptoms? I will say that it is extremely rare for lupus to develop in children under the age of five. It can happen, but the number of observed cases is very low. There are lots of other causes of face rashes.

Good luck with the rheumatologist appointment. Please let us know how you get on.