Sometimes, lupus causes symptoms that can be awkward or embarrassing to talk about, even with a doctor. One of these possible symptoms is a rash on the buttocks. Fortunately, most doctors are used to talking about unusual symptoms, and you should feel comfortable sharing these things with your care team.

If you’re experiencing a rash on your buttocks that you think is connected to lupus, there are a few important things you should know so you can have an open conversation with your doctor.

1. Lupus Rashes Differ From Person to Person

On MyLupusTeam, a number of people have experienced a rash on their buttocks, but no two seem to be the same. “I now have itchy red bumps on my knee and buttocks,” one member wrote. A second said, “I’ve recently noticed that I am getting pimples on my buttocks and they actually hurt a little.”

Whether the rash looks like lesions, bumps, or pimples, this symptom can range in severity, from being annoying to being disruptive in a person’s day-to-day life. No matter how insignificant it is, though, you deserve to find something that will treat it to improve your quality of life, so it’s important to talk to a doctor if you notice such a rash developing.

2. Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus Could Be the Cause

When people think of lupus, they often think of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), the most common type of lupus. However, some people develop cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE), a form of lupus that affects the skin. It’s possible to have SLE and CLE simultaneously, but some people have one or the other.

CLE most frequently causes a rash, though it can also cause your skin to become sensitive. Most of the time, CLE symptoms develop on photosensitive skin (skin that’s sensitive to light), which means they appear on skin that’s been exposed to the sun. This could include the buttocks if you have recently been out in, for example, a swimsuit. CLE-related skin rashes also sometimes appear on other parts of the body, too.

Classifications of CLE include:

• Chronic
• Subacute
• Acute

Chronic Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus

Chronic CLE comes in various forms, the most common being discoid lupus erythematosus.

Discoid lupus is generally characterized by lesions or rashes that are shaped like discs. These are usually thick, discolored, and scaly. Although they aren’t common on the buttocks, they can show up anywhere and they may hurt, itch, or burn.

If you develop a type of rash resembling a disc, make an appointment to see your dermatologist. If it turns out to be discoid lupus, you’ll need to have your skin checked regularly — discoid lupus rashes can become skin cancer.

Subacute Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus

Rashes caused by subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus come and go and tend to develop on parts of the body that get a lot of sun (e.g., neck, chest, arms).

When they appear, they usually take the form of overlapping, discolored circles. They don’t usually hurt or itch, though they can, and they rarely develop on the buttocks.

Acute Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus

Rashes from acute cutaneous lupus generally show up when a person’s lupus is active or when they’re experiencing a flare. Rash from acute CLE can also develop in response to sun exposure.

A common symptom of acute cutaneous lupus is the malar rash, or butterfly rash, which appears on the face, spanning from cheek to cheek across the bridge of the nose. Rash from acute CLE can show up on other parts of the body, too. These discolored rashes may or may not be itchy or painful.

You and your doctor should talk to determine whether they think lupus is causing the rash on your buttocks and/or whether you should pursue testing and treatment to rule out other causes.

3. Lupus Medications May Cause Rashes

A number of lupus medications can cause rashes as a side effect, including hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) and methotrexate (Rheumatrex). However, these rashes are not usually limited to one area, like the buttocks, and they often come alongside other side effects. If you think your rash is caused by your medications, talk to your rheumatology provider immediately.

4. A Rash on the Buttocks Could Have Causes Unrelated to Lupus

Rashes, regardless of their location, could have a number of causes. These include:

• Certain viruses, such as the one that causes strep throat
• Psoriasis
• Eczema
• Contact dermatitis (allergies)
• Hives
• Shingles
• Bug bites

Although your rash might be connected to lupus, it’s also possible that it has an entirely separate cause.

Talk to your doctor or dermatology provider to figure out exactly what is causing your rash. They may need to run some tests, such as a biopsy (taking a skin sample for examination under a microscope) to find the cause. Then, they can help you find the best treatment for your needs.

5. Topical Medications May Help You Manage the Rash

A wide variety of topical treatments can help ease discomfort from a rash on your buttocks. Some of these are available over the counter, while others require a prescription.

A number of MyLupusTeam members have tried different combinations of these. One member shared, “Try antibacterial shower wash, that helps. Baby powder keeps you dry — that's what I do and it seems to work. Dial is really good, or shower gel.”

Another said, “The last time, I applied a steroid cream and Neosporin.”

The key is to find a solution that works for you after talking to your doctor first. Over time, you should be able to develop a regimen that will help you keep your rash under control.

6. Managing Lupus May Control the Rash

If you and your doctor decide that the rash on your buttocks is connected to lupus, then managing your condition should help eliminate the rash as well. If you are on a treatment regimen that seems to be working, make sure you stick with it so your rash does not come back or get worse. If the rash indicates a flare, talk to your rheumatologist about trying new medications. The fact that lupus is flaring may mean that your current medications are no longer working the way you need them to.

7. Your Doctor Is Your Best Resource

No matter the cause of the rash on your buttocks, talk to a doctor about managing it. Your doctor should be able to help you find the cause, then work with you to find the treatment that works best for your needs.

Talk With Others Who Understand

On MyLupusTeam, more than 223,000 members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with lupus.

Are you living with a rash on the buttocks due to lupus? Have you found a treatment that helps? Share your experience in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.