[granny weatherwax]

This has probably been asked a million times before, but... I have always had a red patch that comes up on my face but it has always been just about visable and easily covered with makeup.

Recently (over the last week) it has been more prominent (over the nose and cheeks but not chin) and feels like sunburn, itchy and hot but not hot to touch really. It goes up and down during the day in stages of varying redness.

My question is (sorry I thought of 2)...

1. is it a butterfly rash and should I worry? does it mean I am going to have a flare?
2. Also can you have "mini" flares that maybe last a week or so and isn't too bad (manageable)?

Sorry guys I am still new to this and every time seems to be a bit different apart from the emotionally unstable with headache followed by a flare of some sort!

Thanks for your help

Claire

 

[Maia]

Sometimes my malar rash was very subtle and could be easily covered by makeup, and other times it was much more angry looking/bright red. In my case it lasted for months at varying degrees of intensity, and did not go away until I had been on Plaquenil for a few months or more. Plaquenil seems to have nearly completely taken care of that problem for me for several years now.

It is possible you have a malar rash - does it spare the area near the crease of your nose extending around there a little bit? You can always take a picture and ask your doctor at the next appt what he thinks.

In my experience, the malar rash does not necessarily mean there will be any increase in other symptoms. I had a malar rash for months without any increase in physical symptoms such as fatigue and joint pain; and I had a malar rash that was misdiagnosed as rocasea initially which was not associated with any pain or fatigue at the time. So it doesn't mean you're going to enter into a big flare if it is the lupus malar rash... best to think positively if at all possible too.

I have also had mini flares, lasting 1-3 weeks which are manageable with just rest and comfort measures. Just had one of those this fall myself actually. It was bad enough I was worried I'd need to go on prednisone to help control it but decided to give it some time and I improved enough to stop thinking about prednisone.

Hope this helps - and ask any question you want to.... they're all worth asking!

 

[granny weatherwax]

Thanks Maia

Sometimes I don't like asking questions in case they are a bit silly, but I am still learning what lupus is all about. I have spent so many years trying to cope with the fatigue at other bits because no one could tell me why and I just thought that is what was expected of me! Stupid really, it is only recently I have "given in" and cut back. Strange thing is I feel guilty for doing it feeling that I am letting others down, feeling selfish that I am putting myself first (is that normal or is it me beating myself up).

Claire xx

 

[Maia]

I think that's quite normal, of those of us with lupus, and of the female persuasion in general. It gets easier with time to do what is best for you, as you learn that what is best for you especially when you have lupus, also is what makes you best for all the other people in your life.

 

[granny weatherwax]

Thanks Maia

I think in some ways I have been very luck. My Bosses have been really understanding and try to keep my stress levels down and have allowed me to reduce my hours and my husband had been great too. He knows that when I start getting "agitated" he makes sure I rest up because he knows that that is usually an indication that a flare is coming or I have over done things.

I am starting to learn to manage myself it has become easier now I have a Dr who understands and knows that I am trying to help myself.

Thanks for your help

Claire