The butterfly rash is a reddish purple facial rash that appears on the faces of many Lupus Warriors. 31% – 65% of people with lupus experience the skin symptom.
Many associations, funds, bloggers, and lupus advocates include a butterfly in their logos. This symbol is common as a reference to the butterfly rash (also known as the malar rash). Named from the Latin word ‘mala’ meaning jaw or cheek-bone, the rash takes the shape of a butterfly. It appears on the:
- cheeks
- bridge of the nose
- NOT on the smile/laugh lines on the side of the nose that run to the corner of the mouth
- called the nasolabial folds
The rash can be raises or flat, blotchy or solid. In severe cases, the butterfly rash can be painful. Typically, it is a slightly itchy rash that may feel “hot.”
The American College of Rheumatology lupus diagnosis rubric includes the butterfly rash. So it is part of the evaluation for getting a lupus diagnosis. However, not all Lupus Warriors will experience the rash. How common is the rash? Because the answer was not clear after reviewing the existing research, LupusCorner conducted a poll.
I have the rash only if I’m in a flare I or sick or in the sun to long ….
Yes; I get the Rash on my Face
I get the rash also
I get a body rash when in a flare