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Butterfly malar rash or stress rash?

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Posted 4/12/2017 1:08 AM (GMT 0)
I have recently been receiving treatment for lupus due to a number of other symptoms and test results but I'm not sure if the rash I have is lupus related. It looks exactly like a malar rash however it comes on when I am stressed, nervous or embarrassed and generally lasts a few hours. Could this be a butterfly/malar rash? Thanks.

Post Edited (rachelshae) : 4/11/2017 7:11:37 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 4/12/2017 1:26 AM (GMT 0)
When we are stressed, our bodies react. For most people, it isn't a very visible or noticeable reaction, but when we have Lupus, reactions seem to be multiplied. Your rash probably is related to your Lupus.

As to whether it's "officially" a Malar rash - I couldn't say. I think that's mostly a matter of opinion, and even dermatologists and rheumatologists may disagree. I don't think the rash has to be permanent to be considered a Lupus rash.

Other than adding to the list of symptoms being used in initially diagnosing Lupus, I'm not sure how much it matters. I don't know of any treatments specifically for the rash.

My rash tends to always be visible on my arms, and only sometimes on my face.

Hope that helps!
Posted 4/12/2017 8:27 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks Lynnwood, that helps!
Posted 4/12/2017 12:44 PM (GMT 0)
When I get stressed or am flaring, I can usually feel the malar rash in the size and shape of a butterfly rash... however, it's never visible. I can feel my face burning and heating up in that shape, but when I look in the mirror there's nothing there!
Posted 4/12/2017 5:08 PM (GMT 0)
I would totally agree with the other ladies. When I was first diagnosed with lupus I had very little skin involvement, however, as time went on I began to notice if I was stressed or flaring. While lupus is so often linked to the butterfly or malar rash what many people don't realize is our disease can affect all of skin on all parts of our body. Lupus has definitely done that in my case anyway, I've literally had rashes or skin issues associated to my disease from head to toe.

Just be sure to discuss with your rheumatologist, if he/she feels it is something that can't be managed by your lupus medication they will refer you to a dermatologist.
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