Rash

[MarthaP]

Hey,

Just wanted to check something with you guys...

I know that in lupus a butterfly rash on the face is a common symptom. I have this rash. I also have a rash on my chest and top of my arms. It can be itchy at times. Does anyone have this problem??

My doc thinks it may not be connected to lupus.

[Lily]

Hi Martha :)

Whilst the butterfly rash is very distinctive in some of us, we do get loads of other rashes too. If your Rheumy has seen it and thinks its connected then it probably is.

Once you start on Plaquenil it should help a great deal, for many its all they need :hugbetter:


love
Lily

[peonyprincess]

Rashes, rashes everywhere. How maddening. I get the basic red butterfly on my face. Then I sometimes get it on my chest and , arghhhh, other places as well. While it might not be the Lupus itself, it can sometimes be related to the medicine that we take. Sometimes the meds will cause the rashes if we get a little bit of sun, etc.

Also the rashes may not be related at all. We could develop an allergy to perfume, dishsoap, laundry soap, etc. If the rash doens't go away, you might want a dermatologist to take a look at it. It might need some cream. And if it is the Lupus, then you will have that piece of mind.

As far as the itch, if you have tried the lotions and creams and that doesn't help, then you might talk to your doc about medication. Benedryl works for some, however, I take Atarax.

Good luck
Nancy

Nancy

[BondJanetteC]

I too, suffer rashes on the face, chest arms and legs. Doctors i have seen just say" oh yes, lupus rash!" Not very helpful............. Through trial and error i have found cocoa butter very useful for taking away the itch. tried it on my face though and it burnt the skin and made matter worse. Ok for body areas. Good luck!

[Clare.T]

Hi Martha

It's quite common to have the sort of rash associated with SLE on the face hence 'malar' rash, meaning 'on the cheeks



It can occur on other parts of the body too especially sun exposed areas.
See

http://www.dermnet.com/thumbnailIndex.cfm?moduleID=6&moduleGroupID=75&groupIndex=0&numcols=0

Plaquenil is usually very good at dealing with rashes. They usually improve when the disease is brought under control. UV avoidance is crucial. There are various ways of reducing itch. Topical steroids can help on a short term basis, used for limited periods and sparingly

:)

Clare