help with skin burning/rash

[Maggie8403]

hi, my mum has just been diagnosed and is currently being weaned off the meds and steroids that aren’t doing her any good (they didn’t know what was wrong with her so just threw loads of meds at it) she’s really suffering with her skin, it’s very read and painful and she hasn’t started any lupus meds yet as they are wanting her off the other stuff first. So would anyone have any remedies/ideas to help her with this symptom in the interim? Hate seeing her suffer. Thank you xx

[Chris21]

hi Maggie 8403. The only thing I can think of that might help is cool gel packs and moisturiser, possibly aloe vera. Try and stay out of the sun as that probably will irritate the skin. Hopefully the medications will be out of her system soon and she can begin the correct treatment. Hope it settles soon. 🙂

[Heatheric]

Hi Maggie, I would also add that your mum needs to use factor 50 sunscreen everyday on exposed skin. Even if it's cloudy, the rays come through. I use Nivea but she will find one that suits. If cost is a factor, you are entitled to sunscreen on NHS , if you're in UK but the ones they supply don't rub in very well and leave white streaks. Also, when mum has a shower, have it as cool as you can, not too much soap if any at all, and pat skin dry. Good luck. Heather

[Pangine]

I have Discoid Lupus. I had a large searing rash on my chest for some months prior to seeking diagnosis. I tried loads of over the counter treatments. The only one that gave any relief was Child's Farm nappy cream! It calmed and cleared the rash. Worth a go maybe.

[joanneM200]

Hi, the only thing I’ve ever found to help with the intense painful itchiness is Dermacool cream. It comes in varying strengths and I find the 1% is strong enough for me. It’s menthol based and has a cooling effect.

If she can’t help scratching, exfoliating gloves are good, they will not damage the skin but will satisfy the itch x

[WinterSwimmer]

I don't know if it will help your mum, but I use aloe vera gel straight from the plant when my skin is burning and red. Just break a stem at the base and split it to squeeze out the gel. I don't know why this is so good (for me) - since aloe vera gel is apparently something like 98% water, but it has saved me on lots of occasions.

[Paprika60]

I used to use aloe vera gel (organic aloe vera gel) and sometimes if I can manage, the gel from aloe vera plant. But neither works for a long while. Just helps.

Also chickweed balm/cream by Napier works really well for cooling it down. I even tried cooling towel with ice cubes. Try all and see which one works best for your mum. Good luck to you both.

[Richsuz]

I have tried a few things and find sudacrem helps me the most.

[MusicalFurbaby]

Hi Maggie, the main thing that helps with my rashes is hydroxy (a common lupus med), but it sounds like your Mum needs to wait for that kind of medication. In the meantime, I use Anusol cream for breakthrough rashes—it’s particularly good for red, raw, painful and severely itching rashes. Blowing cool air on them helps as well. Good luck to your Mum!

[TM1970]

hi Maggie,

I have a ‘lupus’ blanket that cools your body down and in my case prevents swelling. I’m unsure where I got it from but I think it was lupus.co,uk. If not dm me and il look through emails and but it was a game changer. This from the girl who had fans blasting during the all the bad cold spells. So 🤞it might work for your mum. She’s lucky to have you. X