Showering should be a pleasant, relaxing ritual. But for people with lupus, the rash that sometimes follows a hot shower can turn comfort into discomfort. “I break out in an itchy rash every time I take a shower,” one MyLupusTeam member shared.

MyLupusTeam members often describe symptoms of lupus like facial flushing or the appearance of a malar rash — a butterfly-shaped rash across the cheeks and nose — after showering. Some also report experiencing hives or lesions resembling hives triggered by showering.

Skin problems are common with lupus and can include photosensitivity (sensitivity to ultraviolet, or UV, light). According to one study, between 40 percent and 70 percent of people with lupus find that their symptoms are made worse by sun or other UV exposure.

Some people with this autoimmune disease also develop alopecia (hair loss) or Raynaud’s disease (also called Raynaud’s phenomenon), a blood-circulation condition that can make a person extra sensitive to cold.

Does lupus rash come and go? If you have skin problems from lupus, you might wonder what can trigger a lupus rash, and where. One member shared, “I don’t get a rash on my face. However, I get a horrible rash all over my abdomen and thighs when I take hot showers. Also, I cannot tolerate the heat at all. I feel horrible and like I’m overheating.”

Whether you’re looking for the right products to use in and out of the shower or ways to turn down the heat when you wash up, here are some tips to keep showers from triggering a rash.

1. Lower the Water Temperature

Many members of MyLupusTeam struggle with temperature regulation, reporting hot flashes, excessive sweating, flare-ups in hot weather, and photosensitivity. Too-warm showers can also trigger problems.

“A hot shower brings on the butterfly rash for me,” one member said.

Another added, “Any temperature over 72 degrees Fahrenheit irritates me into a flare, giving me a higher fever and red rash all over my face.”

Making the water temperature milder can help you avoid feeling overheated and prevent your skin from drying out. Hot water can the skin’s barrier function — the ability to protect the body from environmental threats — for anyone, whether or not they have lupus. Aim for a lukewarm shower, and avoid standing under hot water for long periods.

“Sometimes when I shower, the water feels like needles hitting my skin,” one member said. “Also, I get a purple lacy look to my legs. I used to take hot showers, but recently found that warm ones are better.”

2. Shorten Shower Time

Even lukewarm water can be damaging to your skin if you’re exposed too long. If showers trigger your lupus skin symptoms, try limiting them to five to 10 minutes. You can also protect your skin by turning off the tap while you lather up and turning it back on just to rinse.

“The only time my face turns red is after a shower,” one MyLupusTeam member said.

3. Consider Fewer Showers

Most people don’t need to shower every day — and cutting back may reduce lupus-related flares caused by damage to your skin barrier. This is especially true if you live in a cooler climate.

As long as you don’t sweat a lot or have other reasons to bathe often, showering a few times a week should be enough.

“Bathing completely every day is probably unnecessary, depending on your activity and how much one sweats,” one member said. “That said, on days I’m unable to get in the shower or tub, I use either baby wipes or a cleansing foam to wipe essential areas like my genital region and armpits. Both of those areas tend to have more associated odors. Daily, I also clean my face, and of course the hands are washed multiple times a day.”

4. Choose Products for Sensitive Skin

Many MyLupusTeam members report sensitive skin as a common symptom. If you have sensitive skin, avoid harsh ingredients when showering or washing your face. Look for fragrance-free soaps and shampoos labeled “for sensitive skin.” Lotions and creams designed to treat acne, oily skin, or some other skin conditions may be too drying and cause irritation.

The following ingredients can be especially drying:

• Alcohol
• Alpha hydroxy acid
• Retinoids

Using less soap overall may also help. Dermatologists recommend using just enough soap to get you clean but not enough to create a thick lather.

5. Moisturize Immediately After Showering

Instead of rubbing your skin dry with a towel after showering, gently pat it dry to avoid irritating your skin. Apply a fragrance-free ointment or cream immediately after toweling to help lock in moisture. Ointments and creams are usually more effective than lotions, which may contain more water and potential irritants.

Dermatologists often recommend leaving a small amount of water on your skin, then mixing it with your moisturizing cream. Gently massage the product into your skin to help improve absorption, boost hydration, and allow the product to spread more evenly.

Look for moisturizers with soothing ingredients that are often recommended by dermatologists for people with lupus or sensitive skin, such as:

• Dimethicone
• Glycerin
• Hyaluronic acid
• Jojoba oil
• Lactic acid
• Lanolin
• Mineral oil
• Petrolatum
• Shea butter

To make sure a new product is safe for your skin, you can test it by applying it to the same small spot of skin twice a day for seven to 10 days. If your skin doesn’t become discolored, itchy, or swollen, the product is likely safe to use.

One MyLupusTeam member shared their detailed skin care regimen during lupus flare-ups:

“I wash with a shea butter soap. Pat dry. Then slather on aloe vera gel all over my body (even on areas not affected by a rash), and allow it to soak in. This is followed by a shea butter body cream. After that soaks in, I follow up with 100 percent emu oil. A little goes a long way — one or two drops cover my entire body.”

They added that they repeat this process a few times a day, gradually returning to their usual routine once the rash improves.

6. Keep Up With Your Doctor

Managing lupus with your prescribed treatment plan can help make daily activities, like showering, less disruptive. Lupus treatments can include:

• The antimalarial medication hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil)
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Short courses of steroids like prednisone (during flare-ups)

Protecting your skin also means resisting the urge to scratch or pick at skin lesions. You can also reach out to rheumatology experts or other healthcare professionals for medical advice when you need help with a new or worsening symptom.

If your lupus symptoms mostly affect your skin, it may be part of a condition called cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE), a form of lupus that mainly involves the skin. CLE can happen on its own or along with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), which affects the whole body. In some cases — up to 42 percent, according to research — CLE may develop into SLE over time. That’s why it’s important to keep up with regular checkups and let your doctor know about any new or changing symptoms.

Seeing a dermatologist regularly can help you stay on top of lupus-related skin symptoms like rashes, lesions, or scarring. Your doctor can help track any changes, adjust your treatment, and catch rare complications early — such as skin infections or, in very rare cases, skin cancer.

If you notice a skin lesion that changes shape, bleeds, or itches, it’s a good idea to have it checked. Most lupus rashes are not harmful, but early care from a dermatologist can provide peace of mind and help you feel your best.

Join the Conversation

On MyLupusTeam, people share their experiences with lupus, get advice, and find support from others who understand.

What strategies have helped you avoid a skin rash flare-up after showering? Let others know in the comments below.