What were some original symptoms of lupus, and did anyone experience an itchy red facial rash?
Many people with lupus do experience itchy red facial rashes as an early symptom. About 3 out of 4 people newly diagnosed with lupus have skin-related symptoms, and for some, rashes are the first sign of the condition.
The most Show Full Answer
What were some original symptoms of lupus, and did anyone experience an itchy red facial rash?
Many people with lupus do experience itchy red facial rashes as an early symptom. About 3 out of 4 people newly diagnosed with lupus have skin-related symptoms, and for some, rashes are the first sign of the condition.
The most common facial rash is the malar or "butterfly" rash, which affects about 30-40 percent of people with lupus. It spreads across the cheeks and bridge of the nose and can be:
- Itchy
- Red or flushed
- Scaly or raised
A MyLupusTeam member shared: "When my butterfly rash appeared 35 years ago, no one made the lupus connection."
Other early symptoms people commonly experience include:
- Photosensitivity (sensitivity to sunlight or indoor UV lights)
- Fatigue
- Joint pain
- Fever
- Mouth or nose ulcers (affecting about 25 percent of people)
Some members also develop discoid lupus rashes, which are thick, raised, scaly patches that can be itchy and often appear on the face, scalp, or neck.
If you're experiencing an itchy red facial rash, it's worth discussing with a dermatologist who can perform a skin biopsy to determine if it's lupus-related.
March 3
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