Cutaneous Lupus is one of many forms of Lupus that can occur. While some Lupus affect multiple organs, Cutaneous Lupus generally only attacks the largest organ in the human body: the skin. When this occurs, patients tend to get a lupus rash.
The first symptom of Cutaneous Lupus is a rash. A Lupus rash can cover a variety of different parts of the body, including face, trunk, arms or legs. Many patients also have a severe sensitivity to ultra-violet light. Just being exposed to it can create a rash to form on the skin. Ulcers can also appear inside the mouth or nose leading to severe discomfort.
But how can you tell if the rash you have is caused by Lupus? There are a few different types of “typical” rashes that are created by Lupus. The first is called a discoid rash. This rash looks similar to a circle or oval and is usually caused when the patient has been exposed to ultra-violet light and is sensitive to it. This type of a rash is particularly nasty because it can become very red and can leave behind a scar. Fortunately, though, discoid rashes do not tend to itch.
An easily spotted sign of Lupus is the butterfly rash. This rash starts on one side of the face and goes over the bridge of the nose to the other side, looking like a large butterfly. The butterfly rash can be either flat with a light red surface, or raised with an angry red surface. A discoid rash can appear on the butterfly rash.
Generally these rashes are treated using a corticosteroid cream. This cream is applied directly to the rash and usually, after a few days, the rash goes does or disappears completely. If the cream does not work, the doctor may need to resort to corticosteroid injections in order to take care of the problem.