What are the symptoms of cutaneous lupus?

How do I know if I have cutaneous lupus?

For most people, acute cutaneous lupus appears as a butterfly-shaped rash across your nose and cheeks. Another name for this rash is a malar rash (rash on the cheeks). This rash typically looks like a sunburn and usually doesn't hurt but may itch. People may also get rashes on their arms or legs.

What does cutaneous lupus rash look like?

A lupus rash can appear in the following ways: A scaly, butterfly-shaped rash that covers both your cheeks and the bridge of your nose, This rash will not leave any scarring in its wake, but you may notice some skin discoloration such as dark or light-colored areas. Red, ring-shaped lesions that do not itch or scar.

What triggers cutaneous lupus?

These factors include environmental triggers including medications, viruses, and sunlight, and abnormalities in various genes related to the immune system (4). In particular, sun exposure is an important activator of cutaneous lupus.

How do you treat cutaneous lupus?

Standard therapy for subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus (SCLE) includes topical corticosteroids and antimalarials such as hydroxychloroquine or chloroquine. In patients with skin lesions refractory to hydroxychloroquine monotherapy, adding quinacrine can improve response.

Cutaneous Lupus - Yale Medicine Explains

Does cutaneous lupus go away?

There is no cure for cutaneous lupus, so the goal is to improve the way your skin looks, prevent scarring and help you feel better overall.

Does cutaneous lupus cause fatigue?

A new study published in The British Journal of Dermatology provides evidence that fatigue is a key symptom, not only of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) but also of skin lupus (cutaneous lupus) as well as other autoimmune diseases affecting the skin.

What are the top 10 signs of lupus?

Is cutaneous lupus itchy?

The rash associated with acute cutaneous lupus appears in a recognizable butterfly pattern that spreads across the nose and cheeks. This rash is flat, red, and itchy, and it usually appears after sun exposure.

Does cutaneous lupus hurt?

Discoid cutaneous lupus

You may experience symptoms including pain, itching and burning. In some cases, you may not experience any symptoms. Most often, symptoms will develop on your face, ears or scalp. However, you can develop symptoms on other parts of your body too.

What does lupus rash look like on legs?

Ring-shaped rash

In people with subacute cutaneous lupus (SCLE), the rash looks like scaly red patches or ring shapes. This rash usually appears on parts of the body that are exposed to sun, such as the arms, shoulders, neck, chest, and trunk.

What cream is good for lupus rash?

To treat this rash, your doctor may prescribe a topical anti-inflammatory immunosuppressant cream such as pimecrolimus (Elidel) or tacrolimus (Protopic).

Can cutaneous lupus turn into systemic?

Between 5% and 25% of patients with cutaneous lupus can develop systemic lupus. If they progress to systemic disease, patients often develop mild systemic disease with primarily mucocutaneous and musculoskeletal manifestations.

Does cutaneous lupus cause joint pain?

Cutaneous lupus erythematosus only affects the skin. It may cause discoid sores, subacute cutaneous lesions, and a butterfly rash. It does not cause joint pain, anemia, or any other symptoms that do not relate to the skin.

Does lupus cause weight gain?

Muscle pain — Muscle pain or tenderness is common in people with lupus; rarely, some people also notice muscle weakness. Weight changes — Lupus can sometimes cause weight loss or weight gain.

What can lupus be mistaken for?

Does lupus show up in blood work?

No one test can diagnose lupus. The combination of blood and urine tests, signs and symptoms, and physical examination findings leads to the diagnosis.

What is the first stage of lupus?

Lupus Symptom: Joint Pain

Joint and muscle pain is often the first sign of lupus. This pain tends to occur on both sides of the body at the same time, particularly in the joints of the wrists, hands, fingers, and knees. The joints may look inflamed and feel warm to the touch.

What are the 5 types of lupus?

What are the 4 types of lupus?

What is the difference between skin lupus and lupus?

The Difference Between Discoid Lupus and Systemic Lupus

Lupus erythematosus (LE) diseases fall on a spectrum—discoid lupus is at one end and systemic lupus is at the other. Although discoid lupus is more benign than systemic lupus, skin symptoms tend to be more severe in DLE.

What vitamins help with lupus?

Vitamin E, zinc, vitamin A, and the B vitamins are all beneficial in a lupus diet. Vitamin C can increase your ability to absorb iron and is a good source of antioxidants.

Does lupus affect your sleep?

Lupus and sleep disorders

Typically, those with lupus have sleep problems that may include any or all of the following: restless sleep. poor sleep quality. sleep for too short of a duration.

Does lupus rash come and go?

The rash may last a few days or several years. It can go away for a while and then come back. Sometimes CLE can cause sores in the mouth or nose. Drug-induced lupus is caused by a reaction to certain long-term prescription medicines.