Lupus face often has a “butterfly-shaped” rash across the cheeks and bridge of the nose that is referred to as a ‘malar rash. ‘ This rash is often red and may be raised, and it may be accompanied by other skin changes such as discoloration, itching, burning, swelling, or dryness.
It can feel warm or raised, and often has an uneven or mottled appearance. Some people with lupus will experience rashes, bumps, or lesions in other areas of the skin such as the arms, legs, chest, or torso.
Other common symptoms of lupus face can include facial swelling, red eyes and headaches. Lupus can also affect the hair and nails, which can become brittle and break easily. Lupus can affect the muscles and joints of the face, leading to tightness or pain in the face, jaw, or mouth.
Overall, having lupus face can lead to feelings of discomfort, exhaustion, and low self-esteem as the skin and facial features can change and cause physical and emotional distress.
Table of Contents
What are the signs of lupus on your face?
Some of the most common signs of lupus on the face include a butterfly rash across the bridge of the nose and cheeks, inflammation of the eyes, dryness around the nose and mouth, ulcers on the lips, discoloration of the skin, inflammations on the cheeks, and sun blisters.
The butterfly rash is the most recognizable sign of lupus, but all of the other conditions listed can be symptoms as well. Additionally, some people with lupus experience redness and/or swelling on their nose, forehead, and scalp.
This is often referred to as lupus “butterfly” rash, as it is shaped somewhat like a butterfly. In severe instances, lupus can cause hair loss, particularly in the eyebrow, eyelash, and scalp areas. Additionally, some people with lupus experience blurred or impaired vision, or even the risk of blindness.
In very rare instances, lupus can lead to skin necrosis, or death of the skin in localized areas. It is important to note that facial symptoms can come and go; it is important to keep track of any changes in order to monitor the condition.
Does lupus make your face look different?
Yes, lupus can cause changes to your face, as it can affects multiple areas of the body. People with lupus may experience facial rashes or swelling that can give the face an inflamed look. These rashes can range in severity and appear on different areas of the face, such as the cheeks, nose and forehead.
In some cases, lupus can cause changes in the color of the skin in the affected area, causing it to be lighter or darker than the surrounding tissue.
In very rare cases, lupus can also cause scarring, which can also affect the appearance of one’s face. Additionally, lupus can also cause fatigue which can cause the face to appear pale or gaunt.
Although lupus can definitely cause changes in the appearance of one’s face, it is important to remember that these changes are usually temporary, and often improve when inflammation associated with lupus is treated with medications.
As such, it is important to seek medical attention if you experience changes in your face associated with lupus.
What are usually the first signs of lupus?
The first signs of lupus can vary greatly from person to person, but some of the most common early indications typically include: persistent fatigue and exhaustion even when a person is well-rested, extreme sensitivity to sunlight or other ultraviolet light sources, joint pain or swelling in two or more joints, inflammation of the skin or other organs, headaches, hair loss or thinning of the hair, fever or chills, the appearance of a “butterfly”-shaped rash across the cheeks and bridge of the nose, chest pains due to inflammation of the lining of the lungs and chest, swollen glands in the neck and near the ears, fingers and toes becoming swollen and discolored (known as Raynaud’s Phenomenon), dry eyes or mouth, unexplained kidney problems, seizures or convulsions, confusion, and/or memory loss.
Other early lupus symptoms may also arise, but if any of these signs appear, a person should consult their doctor for further testing.
Can a dermatologist tell if you have lupus?
Yes, a dermatologist can tell if you have lupus. Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that can cause a variety of skin problems. These skin problems are often the first symptoms of lupus and include a butterfly-shaped rash on the face, raised red patches on the skin, and discoloration, ulcers, and/or plaques on the skin.
Lupus can also cause a wide range of other symptoms such as fatigue, fever, joint pain, hair loss, and chest pain. Due to its many symptoms, lupus can be difficult to diagnose. However, a dermatologist is well trained to recognize the signs and symptoms of lupus and can often provide a diagnosis after careful examination.
If a dermatologist believes you could have lupus, they may suggest further testing such as a blood test or biopsy in order to confirm the diagnosis.
Does lupus cause face changes?
Yes, lupus can cause changes in a person’s face, though it may not be immediately visible. Areas of facial swelling, rashes, and discoloration can be some of the effects of the condition. In some cases, the rash may be referred to as a “butterfly rash,” appearing on the nose and cheeks.
The rash may be red, purple, or have areas of discoloration. It is often a symptom of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and is caused by the disease’s effect on the blood vessels in the face. Furthermore, some people with lupus may experience joint swelling and inflammation, leading to changes in their facial features.
This might involve swelling in their cheeks, jaw, and nose, leading to a more rounded facial shape. In addition, lupus can also cause inflammation of the eyes, resulting in redness, itchiness, and in some cases, permanent damage of the cornea or retina.
Therefore, it is important that people with lupus monitor their condition closely and seek medical attention if any changes are noticed.
Can lupus change your appearance?
Yes, lupus can change a person’s appearance, although this is rare. Lupus is an autoimmune disorder that affects different organs and systems in the body, and it can cause inflammation and damage to the skin.
This can lead to skin lesions and rashes that may change a person’s appearance. Skin issues associated with lupus include red patches on the skin, a “butterfly” rash that appears across the bridge of the nose and cheeks, small lesions or sores, or discolored or thick areas.
In some cases, the disease can cause hair loss and other facial changes. Similarly, lupus can cause the eyes to become red, swollen and sensitive to light, and can lead to swelling of the cheeks and other areas of the face.
Finally, extreme fatigue associated with lupus can cause a person to look tired or haggard.
Can lupus make your face droop?
Yes, lupus can cause facial drooping. This condition is called facial dysmorphia and it is caused by inflammation in the facial muscles and connective tissue. This inflammation can cause a decrease in the size of the face, giving it a drooping look.
This can be a very debilitating symptom of lupus, as it can be difficult to communicate and carry out daily activities. Additionally, this inflammation can cause sores or ulcers on the face and can cause puffiness around the eyes, nose, and mouth.
Treatment of lupus involves taking medication to reduce inflammation and to prevent further damage to the body. Some people may also be prescribed topical medications or surgery to help improve their appearance.
Can lupus cause puffy face?
Yes, lupus can cause puffy face, also known as facial edema. Although it is not the most common symptom of lupus, it can occur in some cases due to lupus. When this happens, it is usually as a result of inflammation in the tissues and tissues of the face caused by the auto-immune disorder known as lupus.
In addition to the facial edema, other features of lupus such as fatigue, joint pain, and skin rash can also lead to a puffy face. It is important to consult a doctor if you experience any of these symptoms so that an accurate diagnosis can be made and appropriate treatment can be pursued.
Does lupus hurt your face?
Yes, lupus can affect the facial area and cause a variety of uncomfortable symptoms. These may include facial rash or swelling, mouth sores, and/or sensitivity to light. Lupus-related facial rashes often appear in a “butterfly” or malar pattern on the cheeks, according to the Mayo Clinic.
The butterfly pattern is caused by inflammation in the connective tissues of the skin, which can cause red and sometimes scaly patches to develop. In addition, lupus is an autoimmune disorder, which means that it can cause a weakened immune system.
This can make you more prone to developing infections and other skin diseases.
If you would like to treat and manage the symptoms of lupus on your face, it is important to talk to a doctor first. Your doctor may suggest anti-inflammatory medications, light therapy, and lifestyle adjustments to help reduce your symptoms.
Additionally, protecting yourself from sunlight can also help protect your facial skin from developing rashes and other symptoms.
What are daily struggles with lupus?
Living with lupus can be a challenge on a daily basis. Common struggles include fatigue, joint and muscle pain and stiffness, memory and thinking difficulties, skin rashes, and dry eyes and mouth. Pain and fatigue can interfere with even the simplest daily tasks.
For many, symptoms can wax and wane over time, known as flares and remissions, although some people may also experience persistent symptoms regardless of flares. For some, part of the struggle of living with lupus is managing the associated symptoms which can include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and cognitive impairment.
For those whose lupus is more severe, daily activities such as bathing, dressing, cooking, cleaning, and running errands can be a bigger challenge. Lupus can also cause flares, when symptoms get worse for a certain amount of time.
During a flare, it may be difficult to keep up with usual daily routines.
The emotional impact of living with lupus can also be a struggle. Many people with lupus experience depression, grief, and decreased quality of life due to the unpredictable nature of the disease. Furthermore, due to the unknown cause and limited treatments for lupus, getting an accurate diagnosis can be difficult, which can lead to feelings of isolation and frustration.
What is the number one symptom of lupus?
The most common symptom of lupus is a butterfly-shaped rash that appears on the face, typically across the bridge of the nose. This rash can appear in other areas of the body, such as the arms and legs.
Other common symptoms of lupus include extreme fatigue, fever, joint pain, hair loss, chest pain, anemia, headaches, sun sensitivity, mouth sores, and finger and toe swelling. While these are the most common symptoms of lupus, each person will experience different signs and symptoms.
In addition to physical symptoms, some people with lupus may also experience mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. If you think you may have lupus, it is important to speak with your doctor and have a full evaluation.
What are weird lupus symptoms?
Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that can affect many parts of the body. While the most common symptoms of lupus include fatigue, fever, and joint pain, there are oftentimes lesser known ‘weird’ lupus symptoms.
These can be difficult to recognize and manage, but are still important to be aware of.
One of the most unusual lupus symptoms is a skin rash that appears in a butterfly shape across the face, which is known as the malar ‘butterfly’ rash. This rash only occurs in about half of people with lupus and can sometimes look like blushing or sunburn.
In addition, lupus can also cause an extremely painful facial rash (lupus profundus) that can lead to scarring and discolouration.
Other weird lupus symptoms can include pinkish-purple lesions on the arms and legs, known as livedo reticularis, which is caused by the pooling of blood in the vessels under the skin. Headaches and facial pain are also sometimes present, as well as cognitive impairment.
People with lupus may also experience digestive issues such as nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain, as well as chemical sensitivities and food allergies.
Finally, some people with lupus can also develop Raynaud’s phenomenon. This is a condition where the symptoms include fingers, toes, and other extremities becoming discoloured (e. g. white to blue) due to cold temperatures or stress.
People with lupus often have a greater risk of developing Raynaud’s, which can be debilitating if not managed properly.
Overall, lupus can cause a variety of strange and often hard-to-pinpoint symptoms. It is important to be aware of these and to share any symptom changes with a doctor in order to get a diagnosis and begin treatment as soon as possible.
How do people cope with lupus?
People who have been diagnosed with lupus must take ownership of their health to cope with their condition. This can include making lifestyle changes such as eating a nutritious diet and exercising regularly to reduce stress and fatigue, a common symptom of lupus.
It is also important to learn about lupus and connect with a support system. People who have lupus should establish an ongoing relationship with a healthcare professional who specializes in lupus and be open to seeking support from family, friends, and other people with lupus.
Additionally, to maintain the best possible health, individuals should keep a daily log of their symptoms, treatments, and any changes in their physical wellbeing. One should also consider taking part in counseling, which can be invaluable for managing stress, anxiety, and depression, which can come along with having a chronic condition like lupus.
Finally, many organizations, groups, and support systems exist to offer education and connect people with resources to cope with lupus, including The Lupus Foundation of America, Lupus UK, and the Lupus Foundation of Florida.
