butterfly rash, can it come in stages?

I am inquiring to anyone who has had the butterfly rash how quickly it came on. All day today I have had an exceptionally rosey cheek. It feels warmer than the other side. I know I didn't hit my face on something because if I did, it would probably hurt. This does not hurt at all. The girls at work were asking what I did or if I put too much blush on one side of my face. I wasn't wearing blush at all. Since I have never had experience with that symptom I would like some input. These last few days I have been feeling worn out, but I haven't had a flare since 2010, so I'm not really sure what's going on. I would just appreciate the rash information. Thanks!

Does the rash cause swelling on the face too? I can tell my tissue under the red area seems tough and full.

Gotta agree with Lynnwood. My rash started with a pencil eraser sized dot on my nose. After a month it became a dime sized spot. Went to a dermo - he said "Roseace" ... here is some expensive lotion. Then it started on my cheek. Then both cheeks, then it got bigger... dermo still said "rosacea". Then it went above my eyebrows and grew. I dont recall feeling warm but I was a "sun worshipper" so my face was warm a lot anyway. Eventually I ended up in the hospital with other issues and the entire mess got crusty and scabbed. Once I started on Prednisone it went away in about five days but I still have the scars from it. Most lupus rashes dont get crusty and scar but hey... most 44 year old white dudes dont get diagnosed with lupus .

But yes - it can start small and can feel tough. Now - that being said, do a Google search on Discoid Lupus if you havent ever investigated that. I have heard that SLE can have Discoid "sores".

Cheers