Lupus Butterfly Rash Lupus is a disease that causes inflammation of tissues in the body. This inflammation causes pain in the affected area and in severe cases can lead to organ damage. Lupus is chronic which means that symptoms last longer than 6 weeks and often for many years. It tends to be a disease of flare ups, the symptoms worsen and you feel ill and then improve and you feel better. Lupus can range from mild to life-threatening, but with good care, most patients can live a full life.
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People who have lupus often develop a characteristic butterfly-shaped rash across the nose and cheeks (also called malar rash). |
Sometimes the rash can leave a scar. |
Rashes may also occur behind the ears, on the shoulders, upper arms, chest, hands and other areas exposed to the sun. Many people who have lupus are sensitive to sunlight (known as photosensitivity). Skin rashes often appear or worsen after exposure to sunlight. |
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![]() Woman with severe lupus rash. |
Hair loss in women is a common side effect of lupus and lupus medications. Sometimes it is caused by scalp lesions which if they scar cause permanent hair loss. If it is caused by medications, hair usually grows back after treatment is finished. People with lupus are prone to mouth sores. |
Lupus patients are prone to Reynaud's phenomenon. This is where the fingers become white and blue after exposure to the cold. It does not cause permanent damage. |
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