Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsTypes of Lupus RashChronic Cutaneous LupusOther Symptoms of LupusLupus Rash TreatmentWhen to Seek Medical CareFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Types of Lupus Rash
Chronic Cutaneous Lupus
Other Symptoms of Lupus
Lupus Rash Treatment
When to Seek Medical Care
Frequently Asked Questions
Lupusis a group ofautoimmune diseasesthat can affect multiple systems in the body, including theskin. Several rashes are linked to lupus, including some that itch and may appear on the legs.
This article discusses the types and causes of itchy lupus rashes on the legs, treatment options, and when to see a healthcare provider.
Tharakorn Arunothai / EyeEm / Getty
If you have SLE, you may be prone to lupus-associated skin problems.
Acute Cutaneous Lupus
One of the most common skin symptoms of lupus is a malar rash. It’s referred to as a butterfly rash when it’s across the cheeks and nose.
Malar rash is a type of ACL that is commonly seen in SLE. About 50% of people with lupus will develop a malar rash.While most commonly associated with lupus, a malar rash can be seen in other disorders, such as cellulitis, rosacea, and erysipelas.
CCL involves long-term skin inflammation. The most common type is calleddiscoid lupus. In some people, CCL may be an early sign of SLE. Otherwise, symptoms are purely skin-based.
Subacute Cutaneous Lupus
SCL involves two types of sores (lesions):papulosquamouslesionsand annular lesions. You can have one or both of them at different times or concurrently.
Many other symptoms are possible, depending on what organs or systems the disease targets.
What Are Early Signs of Lupus?
Lupus and HivesLupus, especially SLE, sometimes causes hives. Hives are typically red, raised, and itchy. They can be anywhere on the body. The reason for hives in lupus isn’t fully understood, but some research suggests both may be autoimmune conditions.
Lupus and Hives
Lupus, especially SLE, sometimes causes hives. Hives are typically red, raised, and itchy. They can be anywhere on the body. The reason for hives in lupus isn’t fully understood, but some research suggests both may be autoimmune conditions.
Topical Treatment
Topical treatment includescorticosteroid creams. These are powerful anti-inflammatory medications.The strength that’s usually needed is only available with a prescription and should be used under the supervision of a healthcare provider.
Other topical anti-inflammatory medications may be used to avoid the possibleside effectsof corticosteroids.
How to Safely Use Topical Steroids
Oral Medication
The medications for lupus-related skin problems may also be prescribed for the full range of lupus symptoms. They include:
Treating Lupus
Avoiding UV Light
Should You Wear UV Sensors?
When to See a Healthcare Provider
Anytime you have an unexplained rash, you should see a healthcare provider. Get immediate help if it is:
If you’re diagnosed with lupus and notice any possible new skin involvement, let your rheumatologist or dermatologist know right away.
What Doctors Treat Lupus?
Summary
Lupus can cause a variety of rashes, some of which can affect the legs and be itchy. A malar rash is typical of SLE and acute cutaneous lupus. Chronic cutaneous lupus often causes a discoid rash. Subacute cutaneous lupus can cause two types of rash, one of which can be mistaken for psoriasis. Treating lupus rashes involves topical creams, medications, and avoiding sunlight. Contact your healthcare provider if you have a new, undiagnosed, or worsening rash.
A Word From Verywell
An itchy lupus rash, especially on large areas of your body, such as the legs, can be uncomfortable and can significantly impact your quality of life. Fortunately, there are treatment options that can make lupus-related skin problems manageable.
Frequently Asked QuestionsThe primary treatment for an itchy lupus rash is corticosteroid cream, a potent anti-inflammatory drug. You’ll likely need a prescription-strength cream for it to be effective.How long lupus rashes last varies greatly. Some may go away after a few days or weeks. Others may last longer or even cause permanent damage.Subacute cutaneous lupus causes rashes that are raised, scaly, and get worse when exposed to the sun. It may start out looking like pimples that eventually spread, or it may consist of discolored rings.
The primary treatment for an itchy lupus rash is corticosteroid cream, a potent anti-inflammatory drug. You’ll likely need a prescription-strength cream for it to be effective.
How long lupus rashes last varies greatly. Some may go away after a few days or weeks. Others may last longer or even cause permanent damage.
Subacute cutaneous lupus causes rashes that are raised, scaly, and get worse when exposed to the sun. It may start out looking like pimples that eventually spread, or it may consist of discolored rings.
6 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Johns Hopkins Lupus Center.Lupus-specific skin disease and skin problems.Lupus Foundation of America.Lupus symptoms.Maurer M, Altrichter S, Schmetzer O, Scheffel J, Church MK, Metz M.Immunoglobulin e-mediated autoimmunity.Front Immunol. 2018;9:689. doi:10.3389/fimmu.2018.00689Lupus UK.Coping with itchy rashes.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Lupus and your skin: Diagnosis and treatment.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Rash 101 in adults: When to seek medical treatment.Additional ReadingBlack Skin Directory.Lupus and black skin.Lupus Foundation of America.Lupus and the skin.New York University: NYULangone Health.Types of cutaneous lupus.
6 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Johns Hopkins Lupus Center.Lupus-specific skin disease and skin problems.Lupus Foundation of America.Lupus symptoms.Maurer M, Altrichter S, Schmetzer O, Scheffel J, Church MK, Metz M.Immunoglobulin e-mediated autoimmunity.Front Immunol. 2018;9:689. doi:10.3389/fimmu.2018.00689Lupus UK.Coping with itchy rashes.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Lupus and your skin: Diagnosis and treatment.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Rash 101 in adults: When to seek medical treatment.Additional ReadingBlack Skin Directory.Lupus and black skin.Lupus Foundation of America.Lupus and the skin.New York University: NYULangone Health.Types of cutaneous lupus.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Johns Hopkins Lupus Center.Lupus-specific skin disease and skin problems.Lupus Foundation of America.Lupus symptoms.Maurer M, Altrichter S, Schmetzer O, Scheffel J, Church MK, Metz M.Immunoglobulin e-mediated autoimmunity.Front Immunol. 2018;9:689. doi:10.3389/fimmu.2018.00689Lupus UK.Coping with itchy rashes.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Lupus and your skin: Diagnosis and treatment.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Rash 101 in adults: When to seek medical treatment.
Johns Hopkins Lupus Center.Lupus-specific skin disease and skin problems.
Lupus Foundation of America.Lupus symptoms.
Maurer M, Altrichter S, Schmetzer O, Scheffel J, Church MK, Metz M.Immunoglobulin e-mediated autoimmunity.Front Immunol. 2018;9:689. doi:10.3389/fimmu.2018.00689
Lupus UK.Coping with itchy rashes.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Lupus and your skin: Diagnosis and treatment.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Rash 101 in adults: When to seek medical treatment.
Black Skin Directory.Lupus and black skin.Lupus Foundation of America.Lupus and the skin.New York University: NYULangone Health.Types of cutaneous lupus.
Black Skin Directory.Lupus and black skin.
Lupus Foundation of America.Lupus and the skin.
New York University: NYULangone Health.Types of cutaneous lupus.
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