Lupus generates a wide range of symptoms and people with the
disease experience them at different intensities. Lupus involves
abnormal activity of the immune system. The dysfunctional immune system
produces antibodies that turn against healthy body cells and tissues
(antinuclear antibodies). Some antibodies produced by the dysfunctional
immune system can even alter the body's genetic material (anti-DNA
antibodies). The abnormal activity of the immune system can lead to the
occurrence of various internal disorders (heart disease, pulmonary
disease, kidney disease), disorders of the musculoskeletal system
(arthritis, osteoporosis), disorders of the nervous system (brain
disease) and skin diseases (lupus rash, erythematous lesions).
In
spite of the fact that patients with the autoimmune disease generally
have different symptoms, rash is a common sign of lupus. Lupus rash is
characteristic to both systemic and discoid forms of the disease and it
is usually the first symptom to appear. Lupus is a chronic disease and
its generated symptoms reoccur on a regular time basis. Although other
symptoms may come and go, lupus rash is very persistent and difficult to
overcome.
Lupus rash commonly occurs on the body regions that are
exposed to sunlight: scalp, face, neck and shoulders. However, the rash
can also occur in other areas of the body (chest, back, palms and
feet), in many cases accompanied by skin lesions. When it occurs on the
face, lupus rash has a reddish, burn-like aspect. Sometimes the rash can
even affect the moist tissues around the mouth and the nose. In the
systemic form of the disease, lupus rash doesn't generally involve skin
scarring and it can ameliorate with medical treatment. Lupus rash tends
to aggravate if the affected skin is exposed to the sun for long periods
of time.
In the discoid form of lupus, the rash occurs in
different regions of the body and it affects larger patches of skin.
Discoid lupus rash involves hyperpigmentation of the skin, exfoliation
and the formation of crust. The skin lesions characteristic to discoid
lupus erythematosus can affect deeper layers of skin and they usually
heal with scarring. When it occurs on the scalp, discoid lupus rash can
involve temporary or permanent hair loss (alopecia). If the rash is
accompanied by intense scaling, papules and crust, the skin may heal
with pronounced scarring.
Subacute cutaneous lupus rash generally
occurs in the body areas that are exposed to the sun. The rash increases
in size and it forms circular, scaly patches. This type of lupus rash
doesn't involve scarring, but it usually heals with hypo-pigmentation of
the skin. Subacute cutaneous lupus rash can occur in both systemic and
discoid forms of the disease and it generally fades in the periods of
remission. Although it can't be completely overcome, this symptom can
also be controlled through the means of medical treatments. When you
have lupus rash, it is very important to avoid exposing the affected
skin to sunlight. Also, you should avoid exposing the skin to irritants
and chemicals, as they can seriously aggravate the rash.