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Real members of MyLupusTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Malar rash

A MyLupusTeam Member asked a question 💭
Battleground, WA

Hi there,
I have been having flares, I believe that is what they are. When this happens the facial rash comes back. It is getting more frequent and I don't know when it will happen. I can tell when I start to get burning in my stomach and esophagus, then my mouth and lips with little shoes in my mouth. Fatigue and joint pain. It always starts with the rash on my face. It's it common for it to go away when not having a flair up and then come back?
Thank you in advance

August 2, 2021
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A MyLupusTeam Member

All this stuff does what it wants when it wants. It sounds like that is your signal you are going into a flare. It may be you are tired, out in the sun too long or whatever else is a trigger for you. I know this all sounds very vague but it is because lupus is different for everyone. I get bright red and very pale. My friend just slows down and looks completely white with two bright red cheeks, like a little kid would draw. And we know, were done. Stop, rest, drink, eat something light, rest! Sometimes you can make it less by doing that. Good luck!

August 2, 2021
MyLupusTeam

A malar rash, also known as a butterfly rash, is a common symptom associated with lupus. Here are some key points about it:

- Appearance
- Spans both cheeks and the bridge of the nose
- On lighter skin tones, it appears red, resembling a bad sunburn or blushing.
- On darker skin tones, it may look dark purple or Show Full Answer

A malar rash, also known as a butterfly rash, is a common symptom associated with lupus. Here are some key points about it:

- Appearance:
- Spans both cheeks and the bridge of the nose.
- On lighter skin tones, it appears red, resembling a bad sunburn or blushing.
- On darker skin tones, it may look dark purple or dark brown.
- It can be flat or slightly raised and sometimes scaly or itchy.

- Characteristics:
- Symmetrical, covering both cheeks and the bridge of the nose.
- Does not affect the underside of the nose.
- Appears quickly and doesn’t last long.
- Does not leave scars but may cause skin discoloration.

- Triggers:
- Often develops spontaneously, sometimes after sun exposure.
- Photosensitivity can lead to a malar rash after being in sunlight or under artificial UV light.

- Prevalence:
- An estimated 50% of people with lupus get a malar rash.
- It may be the first symptom of systemic erythematous lupus (SLE), appearing months or years before other symptoms.

- Management:
- Use sunscreen and limit sun exposure.
- Medications like corticosteroids, antimalarial drugs, tacrolimus cream, or immunosuppressive therapy may be used.
- Laser therapy can help with scarring or discoloration.

If you have a facial rash and wonder if it’s a malar rash or a different kind of lupus rash, it’s important to check with your doctor.

July 17, 2024
A MyLupusTeam Member

Thank you!

August 3, 2021

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