What's causing the butterfly-shaped patch and skin thinning on your face?
The butterfly-shaped patch you're seeing on your face is likely a malar rash, one of the most common lupus skin symptoms. This rash typically appears on the cheeks and across the nose, forming that distinctive butterfly pattern.
The skin thinning you're Show Full Answer
What's causing the butterfly-shaped patch and skin thinning on your face?
The butterfly-shaped patch you're seeing on your face is likely a malar rash, one of the most common lupus skin symptoms. This rash typically appears on the cheeks and across the nose, forming that distinctive butterfly pattern.
The skin thinning you're noticing in certain areas could be related to discoid lupus, which causes round or oval patches that can lead to scarring and changes in skin thickness over time.
Here are the main causes:
• Inflammation from lupus attacking your skin
• Sun or UV light exposure triggering your immune system
• Active lupus disease causing systemic inflammation
• Discoid lupus lesions that can thin the skin and cause scarring
The color of these patches varies depending on your skin tone - they may appear lighter or darker than surrounding skin. Many MyLupusTeam members describe the butterfly rash as feeling hot, burning, or inflamed.
It's important to have your dermatologist or rheumatologist monitor these areas, especially the thinning patches, as they need careful attention.
December 9, 2025
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