With the current widespread availability of the internet, photos of lupus skin rash are easy to find. However, an internet search will only return reliable results if the terms used are accurate and effective. What’s more, the disease has more than one form, and each type can damage the skin; lupus photos do not necessarily reflect typical symptoms, or their level of severity. As lupus is different for every person who has it, a photograph cannot be used to predict the symptoms that might develop in someone who is newly diagnosed.
There are three main types of skin disease associated with lupus, and any of them can cause rashes and lesions. Discoid, also called chronic cutaneous lupus, and subacute cutaneous lupus are less severe forms of the disease and generally will not become systemic. The third type, acute cutaneous lupus, typically occurs in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, and produces the characteristic malar, or “butterfly,” rash across the cheeks and nose.
Photos No Substitute for Formal Diagnosis
Discoid lupus produces thick, scaly red lesions and sores in circular and oval shapes. These lesions can develop anywhere on the body, but lupus skin diseases are photosensitive (triggered by, or more severe after exposure to sunlight) and are most common on the upper body, especially the face and scalp, areas that aren’t easily protected from the sun. Discoid lesions can scar as they heal; they do not generally feel itchy or painful, but they can become cancerous, and must be evaluated by a doctor if they suddenly change in appearance.
Subacute lupus develops just under the surface of the skin, in a series of red blotches with rims of raised edges. It is not itchy or painful and it won’t scar, although the rash spots may become darker or purplish in color. Acute cutaneous lupus is least likely to cause lesions, but is very photosensitive; exposing acute cutaneous rashes to direct sunlight can cause other symptoms to flare.
All of these skin diseases are diagnosed after tissue is taken for biopsy and a series of blood tests have been performed. Appearance alone is not enough to properly identify a particular type of lupus. There are certain traits most commonly seen in each type, however, which are strong indicators and contribute to the final diagnosis.
Although lupus skin rash photos may document common symptoms, they cannot replace sound medical advice. Good communication with the primary caregiver and regular check-ups are the best way to monitor and evaluate the symptoms of skin disease and ensure prompt treatment – which keeps rashes and lesions under control.
