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question about the "butterfly"

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Posted 1/13/2010 8:00 PM (GMT 0)
Hello everyone! I have a question about what I have been told regarding a "butterfly" that may appear on my face if/when lupus flares. I have read that the butterfly rash does not appear in about 50% of cases. What can you tell me about this... is it always on the face? What does it generally look like? Any info will be much appreciated. Thank you!
Posted 1/14/2010 1:24 AM (GMT 0)
My rash is USUALLY more dominant on my face. And tends to show up more first thing in the morning or when I am flaring. It looks like a sunburn but is across the bridge of my nose, on both cheeks, and extends up my nose onto my forehead. When it drops down onto my neck and chest, it is a sure sign that I am heading into a flare. A lot of mornings I have the rash on my face, but it fades away after a few hours.
Hope this helps.
Posted 1/14/2010 2:27 AM (GMT 0)
I recently had a horrendous rash associated with a flare on the trunk of my body. I did have a butterfly rash also which went away as soon as I was increased on the prednisone. It also appears across the knuckles on both of my hands. Having said that, in the 10+ years that i've had lupus i've only had the rash a total of 3 times. And never had it for the first 8 years. Mine also looked like a sunburn across my cheeks, the bridge of my nose, on my chin and up to the forehead. Judy
Posted 1/14/2010 7:39 PM (GMT 0)
My checks get really pink to red with the rash, ironically enough my original rheumy said I have a near perfect example of a butterfly rash, the shape is almost exact but it is always lopsided slightly on the left side. It looks like I had too much sun but I don't do outside so that isn't possible. It always means I need to take it easy. I have heard there are many different forms for the rash to take. I have another rash on my back near my spine that is tiny little bumps almost like pimples but with nothing in them. I also get hives from time to time. I hope this helped.
Posted 1/15/2010 2:55 AM (GMT 0)
I've had the lupus "butterfly" or malar rash on my face several times while being in a flare.

I also get an all-over rash (well, at least all over any exposed skin) from the sun, but that's a different rash, even though it is due to lupus.
Posted 1/15/2010 3:50 AM (GMT 0)
I did not know that the rash would go away in a few hours. I have recently been noticing that my nose is more red than normal. I have alot of red in my skin tone anyways, so my cheeks are always rosy, but not too noticeable espciallly when I wear makeup. I've asked my husband if my skin looks more red than normal and he even thought my nose did. I must be getting the rash but its just a light enough rash that my doctor hasn't mentioned anything. Or, I just wear too much make-up-lol!
Posted 1/15/2010 4:35 AM (GMT 0)
One of our suggestions to new members is to go to our doctor appointments without makeup so that they can see exactly what is going on. Also don't change your attitude or cover your feelings for them -- if you feel like crap, they need to know that.

Some people are lucky and their butterfly rash is slight and only comes along with big flares, but I've read that others have a pretty bright red rash going on all the time. Some drs, even dermatologists, have *great difficulty* telling the difference between the lupus rash and rosacea, since both are inflammations of the facial tissues.

That reminds me - make sure to tell ALL your drs all your dx & rx -- they need all the help they can get!

Cheers,
Posted 1/15/2010 7:25 PM (GMT 0)
Hi firebabe,

Yes, I have a similar problem, i.e. I have fair Irish skin that blushes easily for no reason. I think I didn't really notice the butterfly rashes when they first started because my face is frequently red. It does help you identify a malar rash if you're not wearing makeup.

Take care,
JoAnn
Posted 1/21/2010 4:54 AM (GMT 0)
I have just been diagnosed with an unspecific connetive tissue disorder and have been prescribed plaquenill also. I have not even started taking it One reason I was tested is because the doctor noticed the butterfly rash. But Dr. says I do not have lupus. Does this mean I could develope Lupus? What is a flare up? Is that when your body hurts all over and you feel 100 years old....tired....cant remember words....
Posted 1/23/2010 12:40 AM (GMT 0)
So, I have a question regarding this butterfly rash.

I have not been doing very well on my meds lately and my rheumy is actually beginning to think about starting Imuran or Methotrexate if I continue this route.  I have noticed now for the last couple of days both at the end of my nursing shift that I am pretty pink in the area that you all have been describing.  It has happened both times at the end of my shift.  I'm fair and not normally rosy, and by the end of my shift my makeup has completely worn off (which leaves me pretty attractive anyway  LOL).

I'm wondering if this is what is spoken about when we're talking about a butterfly rash.  However, it's not itchy.  When I think of rash, I think itchiness.  Both times I have not been hot or sweaty and it's happened both times right at the end of my shift when things start to calm down. 

Any thoughts guys?

Posted 1/23/2010 12:41 AM (GMT 0)
Oh! And moderators I hope it's ok that I posted it under this topic. I thought that I shouldn't create a new one because this is a recent post and it's the same topic. Hopefully, this is ok and if not I'm sorry!! :-)
Posted 1/23/2010 12:46 AM (GMT 0)
My butterfly (aka malar) rash is never itchy. Just pink or red.
Posted 1/23/2010 4:18 AM (GMT 0)
"My butterfly (aka malar) rash is never itchy. Just pink or red."

Same here!
Posted 1/26/2010 2:09 AM (GMT 0)
I get the malar blush on my face randomly, but especially when I've been in the sun for a short amount of time. I also get the same redness when I experience a medium to high level of any emotion, like when I'm laughing, or angry. I can feel my face get very warm and sometimes it has a slight tingling sensation, and it can last for hours. Does anyone else get it as an emotional response?
Posted 1/26/2010 2:12 AM (GMT 0)
Yes, I've read that any activity that increases blood flow can bring it out. Mine has felt warm and slightly tingly too. Sometimes the rash lasts all day, sometimes an hour or so. Never much longer for me.
Posted 1/26/2010 2:18 AM (GMT 0)
That makes sense, I always wondered what the connection was there. Thank you very much. :-)
Posted 2/16/2010 5:37 AM (GMT 0)
yep mine looks exactly! like your picture nasalady. It usually only last about an hour though. I also get red hot ears often. The rash I only see about once a week especially when I am overheated.

Post Edited (louise47) : 2/16/2010 3:19:39 PM (GMT-7)

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