RASH ON THE FACE
Description and Possible Medical Problems
From time to time, we all get one of these common conditions: skin rashes, pain in the joints, and a feeling of fatigue. Usually, however, these conditions appear by themselves.
When they appear simultaneously, it’s probably not a coincidence, but a disease called lupus erythematosus. Lupus has long been considered to be somewhat of a mystery due to its various symptoms, which may change in severity from one day to the next. This occurs because lupus is primarily a disease of the body’s connective tissue. Since connective tissue appears throughout the body, it’s no surprise that lupus is so pervasive—and so stubborn. Not only the skin and joints can be affected but also vital organs such as the kidneys and brain, the circulatory system, and the sacs that surround the heart and lungs.
The rash that generally appears across the cheeks and nose is more likely to occur when the skin is exposed to strong sunlight, since another characteristic of the disease is that the skin becomes more sensitive to light.
Lupus is primarily a woman’s disease; about 10 times as many women as men are affected. It is a chronic disease, and there is no known cure.
However, many people with lupus are able to enjoy long periods between flare-ups.
Treatment
The diagnosis for lupus is made by a blood test called FANA or lupus prep. If the test is positive and only the skin is affected, no systemic treatment is needed. Treatment of the rash will involve a combination of the corticosteroid medication prednisone and antiarthritic medication. However, if the disease affects the kidneys, brain, or other vital organs, treatment obviously requires a multidisciplinary approach depending on the organs involved.
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