Advice please!

[Zippy123]

I have GPA & Fibromyalgia, but I’m now wondering if I have Lupus too? I think I have the rash on my face, which doesn’t ever go totally, just gets redder at times...do you think it could be a malar rash? Advice appreciated...

[NeuronerdDoaty]

Fibro causes rashes. Also I notice you’re as Caucasian as I am. My rash was a burning butterfly over my nose and cheeks. Let’s hope you don’t have more for your sake.

Doaty💛

[Zippy123 in reply to NeuronerdDoaty]

Do you have Lupus too?

[katidid]

A Lupus malar rash is most often (1) triggered, (2) not ever-present and (3) a very distinct shape. It truly does look like a butterfly and is not the same as flushed cheeks or other facial rash. I can't tell in your photo (better to have someone take it straight on), but I don't see it extending over the bridge of your nose and flowing into the cheek area. I'm not a doctor but my rash has been used in offices as a reference example for clinical diagnosis.

That being said, lots of conditions (including Fibro!) cause dermatologic changes, such as rashes and flushing. If you've noticed that very specific things bring on the rash (UV exposure, stress, infections, pain flares) and all other causes have been ruled out, then I would ask about Lupus. It's not a required criteria to be diagnosed, just one of many things that weigh into a diagnosis.

One other thing to check/look into: have you had a virus or infection in the recent past. If so and you're not one for getting facial rashes, I would talk to your doc as soon as you can.

Hope this helps!

[Chanpreet_Walia LUPUS UK]

Hi Zippy123,

A malar rash is usually a pink or reddish-coloured rash which mainly occurs on the cheeks and the bridge of the nose. According to The Lupus Encyclopaedia, the rash of acute cutaneous lupus which includes the ‘malar 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...

According to The Lupus Encyclopedia, other possibilities that sometimes resemble a butterfly rash can include acne rosacea (adult-onset acne), seborrheic dermatitis (which is a type of scaly skin inflammation), and even the use of steroids (which can cause a red face). Sun exposure can also cause a person to experience skin involvement - this is why it advised for people with lupus to wear sunscreen throughout the year including winter months where UV light is still penetrated from the sun.

To learn about the specific tests and criteria needed to make a diagnosis of lupus visit lupusuk.org.uk/getting-diag...

Some of the symptoms associated with fibromyalgia overlap with symptoms of lupus such as tiredness, stiffness of the joints and increased sensitivity to bright lights.

According to The Lupus Encyclopedia, around 20% of SLE patients will also have a diagnosis of fibromyalgia.

I hope you find this information helpful. Please let us know how you get on, wishing you all the best!