Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own organs and tissues, causing inflammation and pain, commonly in the skin, joints, and internal organs such as the heart and kidneys, though it can affect any part of the body.
7 Lupus Butterfly Rash Symptoms & Signs
The lupus butterfly rash (malar rash):
- Covers the cheeks and nose and is shaped like a butterfly, which is why it is called a “butterfly rash”
- Can happen suddenly or after sun exposure
- Usually appears red and raised
- May be scaly
- Usually does not affect the nasal folds
- May occur on its own, but sometimes is an indicator of an oncoming flare-up
- Affects about half of all patients who have lupus
Other symptoms of lupus may also include:
- Extreme fatigue
- Sensitivity to light
- Headache
- Joint pain or swelling
- Weight loss
- Muscle pain
- Swelling in the hands, feet, or around the eyes
- Fever
- Hair loss
- Chest pain when inhaling deeply
- Sores in the mouth or nose
- Fingers and toes turning white or blue and feeling numb when exposed to cold or stress (Raynaud’s disease)
- Skin lesions
- Blood clots, which can lead to stroke or seizures
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Gastrointestinal problems
- Respiratory problems
- Neurologic and psychiatric problems
- Blood abnormalities
- Eye problems
How Is Lupus Diagnosed?
In addition to a medical history and physical examination, tests used to help diagnose lupus or to rule out other conditions include:
- Blood tests
- Complete blood count (CBC)
- Antibody tests
- Antiphospholipid antibodies (lupus anticoagulant [LA], immunoglobulin [Ig] G and IgM anticardiolipin [aCL] antibodies, and IgG and IgM anti-beta2-glycoprotein [GP] 1)
- Blood clotting time tests
- Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and/or C-reactive protein (CRP) levels
- Complement tests
- Creatinine
- Protein electrophoresis
- ANA
- Anti-double-stranded DNA (anti-dsDNA)
- C3 and C4 or CH50 complement levels
- Urine protein-to-creatinine ratio
- Rheumatoid factor and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies
- Serologic studies for infection
- Creatine kinase (CK)
- Urine tests
- Tissue or organ biopsies
- Electrocardiography
- Tests to check for pulmonary embolism
- Diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide
- X-rays of swollen joints
- Chest X-rays
- Ultrasound
- Echocardiography
- Computed tomography (CT) scan
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan
What Is the Treatment for Lupus?
Lupus is usually treated with medications to help manage symptoms, such as:
- Anticoagulants
- Anti-inflammatories and steroids
- Antimalarials (to help protect skin from rashes and UV light)
- Biologics
- Immunosuppressives
Other steps to help patients manage symptoms of lupus include:
- Sun protection
- Dietary modifications
- Some patients may need increased calories
- Daily multivitamin
- Vitamin D supplementation
- Salt restriction in patients with high blood pressure (hypertension) and/or kidney inflammation (nephritis)
- Regular exercise
- Don’t smoke
- Get vaccinated as recommended by your doctor
- Manage other medical conditions such as high blood pressure or osteoporosis
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Reviewed on 4/5/2022
References
Image Source: Getty Images
https://www.lupus.org/
https://www.uptodate.com/contents/epidemiology-and-pathogenesis-of-systemic-lupus-erythematosus?search=What%20Causes%20Lupus%3F&source=search_result&selectedTitle=1~150&usage_type=default&display_rank=1#H7
https://www.uptodate.com/contents/clinical-manifestations-and-diagnosis-of-systemic-lupus-erythematosus-in-adults?search=Lupus&source=search_result&selectedTitle=1~150&usage_type=default&display_rank=1#H2215760526
https://www.hopkinslupus.org/lupus-info/lupus-affects-body/skin-lupus/
https://www.lupus.org/
https://www.uptodate.com/contents/epidemiology-and-pathogenesis-of-systemic-lupus-erythematosus?search=What%20Causes%20Lupus%3F&source=search_result&selectedTitle=1~150&usage_type=default&display_rank=1#H7
https://www.uptodate.com/contents/clinical-manifestations-and-diagnosis-of-systemic-lupus-erythematosus-in-adults?search=Lupus&source=search_result&selectedTitle=1~150&usage_type=default&display_rank=1#H2215760526
https://www.hopkinslupus.org/lupus-info/lupus-affects-body/skin-lupus/