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Since lupus can attack/affect a lot of parts of the body, there are also many lupus symptoms that may occur. But these signs vary from person to person. Some patients may only have mild symptoms that develop slowly, while others may experience more symptoms that may develop quickly or slowly! Even, we almost cannot find two cases of this disease that are exactly like!
In addition, the diagnosis of lupus is also usually difficult because currently there is still no specific test to diagnose whether or not you have lupus (especially for SLE ‘Systemic Lupus Erythematosus’ -- it is the most common type of this chronic inflammatory disease’).
What is a kind of lupus that causes skin rashes?
Lupus skin rash is often associated with cutaneous lupus erythematosus (a term used to call lupus that typically only affects the skin of patient -- cutaneous means ‘skin’), which can be categorized into 3 major groups; acute cutaneous, subacute cutaneous lesions, and chronic cutaneous!
But skin rash also can occur in patients with SLE. In fact, most of patients with SLE usually also complain about changes of the skin, mucous membranes, nails, and hair!
Below is a helpful picture about the common sites of the skin where the lupus skin rash usually occurs:
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What is the link between lupus skin rash and photosensitivity?
Most patients with lupus skin rashes are more sensitive to light, particularly such as sunlight and fluorescent lights. This situation is familiar called as ‘photosensitivity’ - a condition of too sensitive to the light.
And each patient can have a different level of photosensitivity. Fortunately, most of patients with lupus only experience light sensitive. But the most important thing you need to know is about 40 to 70 % of people with SLE are reported that their symptoms of lupus are made worse by exposure to artificial light or UV (ultraviolet) -- according to a published article on WebMD.
Therefore, it’s important for people with lupus to take ‘be sun smart -step’ and other helpful steps to minimize the number of UV rays exposure. Talk more with a doctor to get more advices and tips!
What are specific and non-specific skin rashes associated with lupus?
Specific rash means a more specific condition of rash that can be a sign that you may have lupus. And for non-specific rashes are a condition of rash that can occur in patients with lupus, but they also can occur in certain diseases other than lupus!
Non-specific rashes
According the Lupus Foundation of America, these non-specific rashes are pretty common in patients with SLE - though they also can occur in people who don’t have lupus. Some of them may include:
Vasculitic rashes
In acutely condition of SLE, vasculitic rashes may also occur! Another condition that can cause this kind of rash is rheumatoid arthritis -- therefore, vasculitic rashes are categorized into non-specific because they also can occur in individuals who don’t have lupus.
And some types of rash that occur because of vasculitis are; (a) tender red bumps on the body’s shins, (b) rashes that appear like splinters which usually occur under the nailbeds, (c) tender bumps that usually occur in the toes /fingers, and (d) ulcers that form on the legs /around the joints of ankle! -- You may also be interested to know about stomach ulcer symptoms!
Red blotches
They can be similar to drug-rash (rashes that occur due to a variety of drugs) or similar to rashes that occur due to a number of viruses. They may not /may be itchy, may not /may be elevated! For the color, they can be pink or red! Some common areas where these blotches occur are upper arms, chest, back, and face. And for the treatment, corticosteroids are one of common choices.
Other non-specific lesions
In fact, many people with lupus also complain about lesions! There is a chance for lupus to cause inflammation in the small vessels of the patient’s skin -- as a result, patient may have some lesions, like hives.
In rare cases, some patients may also have blisters! Redness on the palms and redness of the nailbeds also can be other non-specific lesions associated with lupus.
Specific rashes
Acute cutaneous
Your chance of having this acute cutaneous is high if you have an active SLE -- and malar rash is one of common typical forms (it is red skin /flattened areas on the face).
A malar rash can occur on both cheeks, and this is also familiar called as ‘butterfly rash /butterfly blush’! It can be not itchy, particularly if it appears more like a blush than a rash - if otherwise, it usually can be itchy.
Though butterfly rash is one of typical signs of SLE, but only 30 percent of patients with SLE who have it! Furthermore, acute cutaneous lesions also may occur on the legs, arms, or other areas of the body. And they are more likely to be so photosensitive.
Sub-acute cutaneous
Lesions of sub-acute cutaneous typically look like ring-shaped of red lesion with distinct edges. Some patients complain that their sub-acute cutaneous lesions are itchy, while others report not too itchy or even not itchy! These lesions are also more sensitive to lights, like fluorescent lights and sunlight.
Chronic cutaneous
About 20 % of patients with SLE are reported experience chronic cutaneous or also often called as ‘discoid lupus’! Sometimes, it also can occur in patients with absolutely no trace of SLE. It also can be very photosensitive.
The lesions of chronic cutaneous are typically thick, scaly, pink/red, and often slightly elevated! The outer ear and scalp are some common areas where they usually occur. Though they may also occur on the legs and chin, but these are rare!
What are other skin diseases /problems associated with lupus?
There some skin problems that may occur in people with lupus, these include:
- Ulcers that are found on the nose or mouth (roof of mouth) -- these conditions are also often familiar called as ‘mucosal ulcers’! Furthermore, a mucosal ulceration also can be found in the lining of vaginal tissue - but fortunately this condition is rare.
- Alopecia or hair loss! About almost a half of patients with lupus have hair loss problem. In many cases, this problem occurs at the onset of the disease and therefore also can be one of early noticeable symptoms. Scarring on the scalp is one of reasons why people with lupus at higher risk of having hair loss problem.
- Changes of nail! Lupus can cause inflammation of the nail bed’s small vessels, which then cause some changes of nail. About ten percent of people with lupus complaint about curling and cracking of nails! Even some of them also experience loss of nails.
- Thrombocytopenia is also common in patients with lupus. It is a condition of low level of platelet in the blood. It can cause tiny red spots on the skin or also familiar called as ‘petechiae’ that usually more common to occur on the lower legs.
- Palmar erythema & livedo reticularis! They will result a bluish (lacelike molting) that usually more common to occur on the legs. And this symptom is more likely to get worse during cold weather.
- Raynaud’s phenomenon! It is a kind of skin problem that cause your skin (particularly your toes /fingers) to turn blue, white, or red -- which usually will get worse during stressful periods and cold temperatures! It can occur due to a restricted blood in the feet and hands.
- And if there is a buildup of Ca (calcium) under the skin, you can have a problem what we call as ‘salcinosis’! It can cause painful sensation, and sometimes may also leak liquid (a white liquid).
You may also like to read about allergic reaction rash!
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