Most people withlupushave some pop in of skin problems, such as alupus rashor other changes to the skin.
Recognizing the signs of lupus can be hard because the disease mimics other conditions likerheumatoid arthritis.
Viewing pictures of lupus rashes may help you discern whether your problem could be a cause for concern.
Maskot / Getty Images
Skin changes often are the first sign of SLE in about 25% of people with skin-related symptoms.
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.
Reproduced with permission from DermNet NZ and Waikato District Health Boarddermnetnz.org2022.
Reproduced with permission from ©DermNet NZ and ©Waikato District Health Boarddermnetnz.org2022.
Reproduced with permission from DermNet and Raimo Suhonendermnetnz.org2023.
Reproduced with permission from DermNet and Te Whatu Oradermnetnz.org2023.
Onset of Symptoms
Swelling can occur with the onset of symptoms when lupus affects your skin.
Reproduced with permission from ©DermNetdermnetnz.org2023.
It can involve swollen eyelids or swelling in the area surrounding one or both eyes.
About 50% of people with lupus experience this pop in of facial rash.
It can appear spontaneously or after exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light.
Reproduced with permission from ©DermNet and ©Raimo Suhonendermnetnz.org2023.
It is red, raised, and sometimes scaly, lasting from days to weeks.
Lesions from lupus can have the following appearance:
Sensations
The sensations resulting from lupus can vary.
In other cases, the lesions occur early after UV exposure but last a few weeks to months.
Reproduced with permission from © DermNet and © Te Whatu Oradermnetnz.org2023.
Lesions commonly appear on the scalp, ears, and cheeks.
Using Lupus Pictures to Lead to Diagnosis
you could’t make an accuratelupus diagnosisbased on pictures alone.
Getting a lupus diagnosis is a complex process that can take several months.
Reproduced with permission from ©DermNet and ©Raimo Suhonendermnetnz.org2023.
Matching your rash to pictures should not substitute for a medical evaluation and diagnosis and treatment advice.
Lupus can affect people in different ways, making it hard to generalize what is typical for this disease.
Symptoms can appear, lessen, and disappear, changing how the disease presents itself.
Reproduced with permission from ©DermNetdermnetnz.org2023.
No single test can diagnose lupus.
Getting a definitive diagnosis can take months to years.
A lupus rash and other skin effects often occur as early signs of the disease.
Contact your healthcare provider if you have a lupus rash or other skin effects of lupus.
Delaying a lupus diagnosis can threaten your well-being.
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.Systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus).
Lupus Foundation of America.Lupus and skin rashes.
American Association of Dermatology Association (AAD).Lupus and your skin: overview.
Lupus Foundation of America.The four different types of lupus.
2021;118(3):e2019097118.
doi:10.1073/pnas.2019097118
Lupus Foundation of America.UV exposure: what you should probably know.
2021;8(1):e000514.
doi:10.1136/lupus-2021-000514
Lupus Foundation of America.The pathway to a medical diagnosis.
