Possible Lupus/Malar Rash?

[aeasterl]

Anyone out there that can help me determine if this looks like a Malar rash associated with Lupus? I’m working with my doctor on heading in the right direction towards a diagnoses, but he seems like he’s not willing to explore possible autoimmune issues despite my family history and current symptoms. Thank you for any help you are able to provide. I’m the one on the right.

[Laurennnnnnn]

I’m not sure but I’d suggest finding an oncologist!! He was the first out of so many doctors who actually took my symptoms seriously and checked my blood for everything

[aeasterl in reply to Laurennnnnnn]

I’m working on getting blood work done, but unfortunately I can’t see a specialist without a referral and my primary care is reluctant to provide that referral. I’ve asked multiple times to be tested for an auto immune disease, to multiple doctors, and none of them will take me seriously

[Laurennnnnnn in reply to aeasterl]

That’s so lame, I’m sorry you’re dealing with that!! 😭💙

It took me three years to have anyone take me seriously. And honestly I’m not even sure how I got with the oncologist, because I didn’t have a referral.

If I were you I’d start getting difficult lol. Constantly bug them for referrals and hopefully they get over dealing with you and give you what you want.

It’s so sad and irritating how they don’t take autoimmune things seriously. It’s dangerous and unfair

[aeasterl in reply to Laurennnnnnn]

Agreed. At least I finally got him to run some blood tests. We will see if they are even the right tests

[Laurennnnnnn in reply to aeasterl]

That’s good!! And omg yes, it’s shocking how they sometimes just run whatever tf tests they want 🙃

If you ever have questions or wanna talk or need support with any of this, feel free to message me!! Going through that sucks and talking to people who understood and believed me was the only thing that got me through

[wobblybee Administrator Pioneer]

🤔 I’ve had my own struggles finding the cause of a rare condition so I can empathise.

Causes of the malar rash include:

autoimmune diseases, such as lupus

bacterial infections, such as Lyme disease

inflammatory skin disorders, such as rosacea

vitamin deficiencies, such as pellagra

genetic disorders, such as Bloom syndrome

sensitivity to ultraviolet rays in sunlight

Diagnosing the condition behind a malar rash can be difficult because of the wide range of possible causes.

A doctor will take a full and detailed medical history and investigate all other symptoms, as well as perform a thorough physical examination.

Infectious causes may be determined through a tissue biopsy or microbiological tests, while pellagra may be diagnosed through testing of niacin levels. Genetic studies may be carried out to confirm genetic disorders.

If the doctor suspects SLE, they will use blood and urine tests, such as:

SR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate) test to look for inflammation in the body

C-reaction protein test, as high CRP levels are another sign of inflammation

X-rays to check for organ damage

anti-nuclear antibody test

Copied from medicalnewstoday.com