Lupus is a systemic autoimmune disease in which your body’s immune system attacks healthy tissues and body’s organs. This response builds inflammation in many parts of your body, including the joints, brain, heart, kidneys, and lungs.
Lupus can also impacts your skin and trigger a rash or other kinds of skin changes. Approximately 2 out of every 3 person with lupus will build some kind of skin disease, called as cutaneous lupus erythematosus, according to the Lupus Foundation of America.
The signs and symptoms of lupus rashes rely on the individual. Most have no symptoms at all, while others describe mild itch or soreness. It’s general for person to mistake lupus rashes for a sunburn or other skin conditions like seborrheic dermatitis and rosacea.
A rash, commonly categorized as an irregularity in your skin’s color, appearance, or texture, also may be itchy. A lupus rash typically appears on the nose and cheeks in a butterfly shape. Lupus rashes also may take the form of discoid rashes, which are raised and scaly and can leave scars. A third general kind of lupus rash is known as a subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus rash, which commonly appears on sun-exposed skin and can form ring-like lesions or look like psoriasis. Any lupus rash can be worsen with sun exposure.
The Lupus Foundation of America found that 66% of those with lupus will create some form of skin disease. Medications help treat a lupus rash, but the treatment option depends on the type of lupus and the individual’s symptoms. The medicines may be topical, such as a steroid gel or cream. Antimalarials, such as hydroxychloroquine or quinacrine, mycophenolate mofetil, methotrexate, azathioprine, prednisone, and others, also may be used to treat lupus rashes.
Stay hide in the shade, apply a sunscreen, and keep away from ultraviolet (UV) light exposure to protect the skin also can help prevent a lupus rash. The Lupus Foundation of America notes that 40% to 70% of those with lupus find that UV exposure makes their skin worse.
The skin rash and other lupus symptoms are sometimes caused by medicine, so it’s a great idea to discuss your doctor about any medicines you’re currently taking. The doctor also can suggest skin care products to help you avoid skin involvement from lupus.
Early diagnosis and treatment of lupus won’t cure the disease, but it will help you manage the symptoms and reduce the chance of permanent tissue damage.
What cream is good for lupus rash?
The cream for a lupus rash is a prescription topical steroid. Pick up the proper one depends on which area of the body you’re treating:
- For face: You’ll want to apply a lighter option like hydrocortisone 2.5%.
- If it’s on arms and legs: You can apply medium-strength steroids like mometasone furoate 0.1% cream or triaminolone acetonide 0.1% cream.
- On areas like the scalp, hands, or feet: Stronger steroids like clobetasol work best.
