Lupus is an autoimmune disease that causes intense inflammation during flare ups. One of the first symptoms that most individuals with lupus experience is lupus rash. There are many different types of lupus rashes that can occur on the face, arms, scalp, chest and other areas, impacting appearance and comfort. Dr. Matthew Reschly at MJR Dermatology is a board certified dermatologist with decades of expertise in lupus treatment, providing individualized patient care at our medical center in Lawrenceville, GA.
Types of Lupus Rashes
There are different types of lupus, and each of these types may have different rash formations on the skin. Each patient experiences lupus symptoms differently, requiring specialized treatment plans for relief. Dermatologists are the go-to specialists for relieving lupus rash symptoms caused by the accompanying skin disease, cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE). At MJR Dermatology, we provide treatment for the following types of CLE rashes:
- Discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE) – Usually on the face and scalp, resulting in circular red, scaly patches on the skin which can leave behind scars.
- Subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus (SCLE) – Appears on sun-exposed areas like arms, chest, shoulder and neck. Circular red patches that interlock in a chain formation.
- Acute cutaneous lupus erythematosus (ACLE) – ACLE is one of the telltale signs of lupus, creating the malar rash (facial butterfly rash) on the cheeks. The rash can appear in other places on the body, with red, scaly skin that may be itchy.
Lupus rashes can last for several weeks and may occur when lupus flare ups are active. Exposure to UV rays can trigger these rashes, requiring minimizing exposure to sunlight to prevent new rashes from forming.
Relief from CLE
If you have any type of CLE rash, there are treatments that can give you relief and help prevent scarring and other complications. Dr. Reschly can design a personalized treatment plan for your lupus-related skin condition and work with your medical team to manage your health condition. Common treatments for CLE include topical steroids and medications to help reduce lupus flare ups.
To get relief from lupus rash, come see our team at MJR Dermatology. Dr. Reschly can provide advanced treatments to relieve your rash symptoms and help prevent future skin outbreaks. Call our medical center in Lawrenceville, GA, to schedule your appointment.