lupus rash?

[Seashell8915]

Hi everyone, my daughter is currently undergoing tests to determine what is wrong with her. She has had reoccurring throat infections (herpangina) since September but had it particularly bad at the end of Jan. After this she has had chest, abdominal and leg pain. After some blood tests it has been found she has abnormally shaped red blood cells. She is extremely fatigued and just not herself. I had in my mind that the infection could have kicked off something autoimmune and I did think about lupus.

She’s had this on her cheeks for years and I’ve never thought much of it. It comes and goes and is sometimes itchy. I will speak to the doctor about this but just wondered if anyone could give any advice on whether this looks like a lupus rash or could it be something else.

Thanks

[Seashell8915]

this is her other cheek,she always has it on both

This is her other cheek

[PURPLECROCUS3]

Lupus rash is described as a butterfly shaped rash that spreads across the cheeks and nose and is caused by exposure to the sun,-that is how mine started.Though doctors dismissed it as Rosacea.Rosacea only appears on the face(cheeks) and is where Lupus can have rashes elsewhere.

Rosacea:

Rash:

Rosacea primarily causes redness, visible blood vessels, and acne-like bumps on the face, particularly in the central area.

Does your daughter have or has had mouth ulcers-they are one symptom of Lupus,

I was first told I may have Lupus in 1998 because of Raynauds and Osteoarthritis.In 2018 I was told by my GP that I had more than 4 of the symptoms of Lupus -enough to make a diagnosis.I developed the butterfly rash in 2020 on exposure to the sun.This year my bloods showed positive for Lupus for the first time.(my rash is not itchy)

There is also sero-negative Lupus where blood tests are non -conclusive.

butterfly rash

[Seashell8915 in reply to PURPLECROCUS3]

Hi, thanks for replying. Her rash does start that shape but then it’s mainly her cheeks that are worse. It is made worse by sunlight too.

She’s been suffering with a lot of mouth ulcers and has done for a while. She’s only 8 and we’ve only been at the investigations since Feb, so I know we could be at it a while (lupus or not). It’s definitely something I’ll mention to her doctor.

[PURPLECROCUS3 in reply to Seashell8915]

Hello It did not occur to me your daughter was only young..I was about 36 when my symptoms started with Raynauds and arthritis.Lupus UK if you sign up to them will have more information.I still do not have a definite diagnosis.MY GP agreed I had all the symptoms of Lupus and that blood tests are not always conclusive(sero-negative Lupus)and recent blood tests finally showed positive for Lupus and Sjogrens ,A Gp in 2018 said I had more than 4 of the symptoms of Lupus enough to make a diagnosis.

[Lizzo32]

Have a read of this publication:

lupusuk.org.uk/wp-content/u...

[Cath24]

A possibility is '' slapped cheek syndrome '' - which is benign and can take up to 3 weeks or longer to clear. If it disappears it can recur, but it's usually temporary. It's not a new infection, but rather, a flare up, caused by triggers like stress, heat, or sunlight. It comes along with symptoms like joint pain and fatigue. Of course no one here can make a diagnosis based on a picture, but it has some similarities to what you describe. Has she been tested for Parvovirus B19 to see if she has recent or past infection?

nhs.uk/conditions/slapped-c...

As your daughter has abnormally shaped red blood cells and other systemic symptoms, it’s definitely worth investigating if parvovirus B19 could have been a trigger.

With a lupus rash it usually is triggered by UV and lasts longer, and she would need to have a number of more specific lupus symptoms that have been present for a period of around 3 months, together with testing positive for lupus antibodies (although in some rare cases it can be seronegative). My ANA is off the charts and homogeneous pattern which is typical for lupus, I have around 3 recurring symptoms and flares, but I still don't have lupus. That's because lupus is quite specific. I have negative dsdna and anti smith (specific lupus antibodies) too and my CRP (inflammation marker) is less than 1. Having an overactive immune system does not equal to autoimmune disease, can often be temporary especially after a viral infection like covid-19, and most people never develop one at all. Those who do can manage it well and live perfectly normal long lives with the right care and lifestyle adjustments.

It's good that you are careful and observant - first step is definitely to speak to her doctor and they will arrange some tests if they think it's necessary. They could also use a dermatoscope to see if they can figure out the nature of her rash. You might also want to discuss the possibility of a special diet that excludes allergens like dairy, eggs, and gluten (well known to trigger inflammation in some people with autoimmune conditions, but also in other individuals who have other sensitivities including to histamine) - but this needs to be done very carefully and under supervision, and replaced with foods that will give her the nutrition she needs. Wishing her good health xx

[Janeefied]

I have been diagnosed with lupus (allegedly skin only) although i have been having the same symptoms has your daughter. I’m seeing the dermatologist at the end of this month so hopefully will know more then