A malar rash, also known as a butterfly rash, usually shows up across the cheeks and the bridge of the nose, forming a butterfly shape. This rash can be flat or bumpy and may appear in red, pink, purple, or brown colors. Identifying the rash can help figure out if it is caused by lupus or rosacea. Whether it’s lupus rash or rosacea, both of them result in different skin conditions. While they have some similarities, there are also important differences between them.
This article explains lupus face rash vs rosacea in detail. You will learn how lupus and rosacea can cause a malar rash. It also provides more information about lupus butterfly rash vs rosacea, highlighting reasons for both rash types, and whether you can prevent them.
Understanding Lupus Rash
Below we will holistically cover lupus rash, from talking about what it is and how it occurs and how to save yourself from it.
Definition
Lupus is a disease where the immune system attacks healthy cells by mistake. This can cause inflammation and damage in different parts of the body, like the kidneys, joints, and skin. Symptoms of lupus can be mild, such as a slight rash or joint pain. They can also be severe, leading to high fever, damage to organs, or intense pain. This sets it apart from the other one in the argument of lupus rash vs rosacea, as the latter don’t give you pain.
Although there are a couple of types of lupus, the most common is called systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). SLE affects multiple organ systems in your body and can cause skin issues. There is cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE), affecting only the skin. It can lead to rashes or lesions on your skin and changes to your scalp that may cause hair loss. A malar rash often occurs with CLE, but it can also happen in people with SLE.
Symptoms
The rash from lupus looks like a butterfly on the cheeks and has a raised edge, while rosacea doesn’t have that edge. People with lupus might feel:
- Pain in their joints
- Very tired
- Hot or feverish
- Swollen and sore
- They may lose hair
- They can get sunburned easily
- Itchy, scaly spots on their skin
- Changes in color on their fingers and toes
- Headaches
- Dizzy
- Confused
Triggers and risk factors
Below are the things that increase the chances of Lupus rash in people.
- Sunlight Exposure: People with lupus are sensitive to sunlight. When they are exposed to the sun, it can cause skin rashes or make existing skin problems worse.
- Genetic Predisposition: A family history of lupus or autoimmune diseases can increase the risk of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and skin issues like malar rash.
- Hormonal Influences: Lupus mostly affects women, which suggests that hormones might be involved in its development.
- Infections: Some infections may trigger lupus flare-ups, which can lead to the start or worsening of a malar rash.
- Medications: Drug-induced lupus erythematosus caused by medications shows symptoms like those of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), including a malar rash
Diagnostic criteria and tests
The dermatologist will examine your facial rash and ask about when they began and their frequency. If he suspects lupus, they will refer you to a rheumatologist for a diagnosis. According to the Lupus Foundation of America, it typically takes about 6 years to receive a lupus diagnosis after symptoms first appear.
Tests for lupus may include blood tests, urine tests, and X-rays to check for anemia and organ damage. A skin biopsy can confirm a CLE diagnosis but may cause scarring. A doctor will review the results before making a final diagnosis.
Understanding Rosacea
Now we will cover rosacea in detail. We will explain what it is, how it happens, and how to protect yourself from it.
Definition
Rosacea is a skin condition that often affects the nose and cheeks. It usually causes visible blood vessels on the skin. Rosacea is the most common reason for a malar rash, which is redness on the face. There is currently no cure for rosacea. However, several medications can help manage symptoms and prevent the condition from getting worse.
Rosacea can affect anyone, but it is more common in women and older adults. People with light skin are also at greater risk. However, the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases notes that the condition may be missed in people with dark skin.
Symptoms
Rosacea is a skin condition that causes red bumps and flushed skin on your face. It can affect areas such as your:
- cheeks
- chin
- nose
- forehead
- eyelids
- scalp
- ears
- neck
- chest
Triggers and risk factors
Below are the things that increase the chances of rosacea rash in people.
- Environmental Factors: Extreme temperatures, hot weather, cold wind, or when you move from a cold place to a warm one triggers it. That’s similar between lupus rash vs rosacea, both getting triggered by intense UV.
- Dietary Factors: Eating spicy foods, drinking alcohol, and consuming caffeinated drinks like hot tea and coffee can cause flare-ups.
- Medications and Topical Irritants: Certain medications, like topical steroids, and skincare products that contain alcohol, menthol, or other irritants can trigger flare-ups.
- Microbial Factors: Having more Demodex mites on the skin is linked to rosacea. These mites can cause inflammation or carry bacteria that worsen symptoms.
Diagnostic criteria and tests
Rosacea usually causes pus-filled pimples and visible blood vessels on the face. This condition is limited to the face and does not affect other parts of the body. To diagnose rosacea, a doctor will consider more than just the facial rash. Skin issues like rosacea are often treatable and not a major concern.
However, more serious conditions, like lupus or Lyme disease, can cause similar symptoms. A doctor will examine your symptoms and ask about any additional signs, like fever or joint pain. And that’s it. Now you know the basics of lupus butterfly rash vs rosacea.
Comparing Lupus Rash and Rosacea
The table below outlines the differences and similarities between lupus face rash vs rosacea.
Feature | Lupus Rash | Rosacea |
| Cause | Autoimmune disease (body attacks itself) | Skin condition (exact cause unknown) |
| Where It Appears | Cheeks, nose (butterfly shape), sometimes other body parts | Mostly on the face (cheeks, nose, forehead, chin) |
| How It Looks | Reddish-purple, scaly, can be raised or bumpy | Red skin, visible blood vessels, small bumps or pimples |
| Triggers | Sunlight, stress, some medications | Spicy food, alcohol, hot/cold weather, stress |
| Other Symptoms | Joint pain, tiredness, fever, hair loss, headaches | Skin sensitivity, burning, swelling, eye irritation |
| Malar Rash (Butterfly Rash) | Red or salmon-colored, may have white edges, can look dark purple/brown on dark skin | More likely to have raised blood vessels |
| How Doctors Diagnose | Blood tests, medical history, physical exam | Skin exam, ruling out other conditions |
| Treatment | Medicines to reduce inflammation and immune system attacks | Creams, antibiotics, laser treatment |
| Cure | No cure, but symptoms can be managed with medication and lifestyle changes | No cure, but symptoms can be controlled with medications and lifestyle adjustments |
Early Stage: Rosacea Lupus Rash vs Rosacea
Both of them initially show subtle signs of facial redness which gradually develops into a butterfly pattern rash. Talking about lupus rash, it has a pattern of a butterfly that spreads across the cheeks and nose. Roascea on the other hand, occurs on the same face area but has visible blood vessels, bumping affect, and can contain puss at times.
Rosacea vs Lupus Rash Pictures
To help you understand better, here is a perfect image, highlighting the difference between rosacea vs lupus rash.
Malar Rash: A Common Symptom
The discussion of malar rash lupus vs rosacea revolves around malar rash. Lupus and rosacea are its types. A malar rash, or butterfly rash, appears on the cheeks and nose. It can be red or purple, blotchy or solid, and may be itchy or painful. Rosacea is the most common cause of a red rash on the cheeks.
Experts estimate that at least 16 million Americans have rosacea, while lupus, affecting about 200k adults, causes a malar rash in around half of those diagnosed. Although prevention isn’t possible for either condition, treatment can help alleviate symptoms. So in the disease quest of lupus rash vs rosacea, Americans are less likely to have lupus. Conditions that may cause a malar rash include:
- Lupus
- Rosacea
- Skin infections (cellulitis, erysipelas)
- Pellagra (niacin deficiency)
- Lyme disease (from a tick bite)
- Dermatomyositis
- Sensitivity to sunlight
- Contact dermatitis (allergic reaction)
Treatment Options
So far you have understood the basics of malar rash lupus vs rosacea. Receiving treatment for both diseases can help manage a malar rash and other symptoms. Let’s quickly wrap the treatment options we have.
Lupus Treatment
Treatments for lupus can include:
- Anti-inflammatory medications: Reduce pain and swelling.
- Corticosteroids: Reduce inflammation.
- Antimalarials: Prevent flare-ups.
- Immunosuppressants: Suppress hyper immune system.
- Biologics: Target specific immune proteins.
- Complementary therapies: Includes diet, exercise, and acupuncture.
Rosacea Treatment
Treatments for rosacea can include:
- Oral medications: Reduce inflammation and bacteria.
- Topical products: Control redness, swelling, or mites.
- Laser therapy: Shrinks visible blood vessels.
- Surgery: Removes excess thickened skin.
Preventive Measures
To help prevent a malar rash from lupus or rosacea, consider these tips:
- Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 SPF 20 minutes before sun exposure and reapply throughout the day.
- Wear long sleeves, pants, and wide-brimmed hats outdoors, and consider UV-protective clothing.
- Plan outdoor activities for early morning or late evening when the sun is less intense.
- Install UV-blocking shades if your home receives a lot of sunlight.
Lupus rash rosacea both causes redness and visible blood vessels on the face. Both conditions need you to avoid triggers and get proper treatment. Now you know pretty much everything about rosacea rash vs lupus rash. To see our dermatologists at our beauty clinic Abu Dhabi, CMC, visit our website to book an appointment, or come in person for your appointment.
Conclusion
Lupus rash and rosacea both cause redness and inflammation on the face, but they are different conditions with unique causes, symptoms, and treatments. When we talk about rosacea rash vs lupus rash, remember that the latter is an autoimmune disease, affecting various organs, while rosacea is a long-term skin condition mainly affecting the face. Knowing these differences is important for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. If you experience ongoing facial redness or a malar rash, talking to a healthcare professional like at our medical clinic Abu Dhabi, CMC, can help identify the cause and guide the right treatment.
FAQs
How long does a lupus rash last?
Lupus rashes, like the butterfly rash, can last from a few days to several weeks. Sometimes, the rash and changes in skin color may last longer. Discoid lupus patches can last for months or even years.
What is a lupus rash mistaken for?
A lupus rash, especially the butterfly rash on the face, can look like other skin problems such as rosacea, psoriasis, eczema, melasma, or seborrheic dermatitis. Confusing redness, visible blood vessels, and pus-filled bumps can lead to mistakes in identifying the rash.
How do you confirm lupus?
To confirm lupus, doctors conduct physical exams, review medical history, and perform specific blood and urine tests. The antinuclear antibody (ANA) test is a key first step, but a positive ANA does not confirm lupus, as it can occur in other conditions or even in healthy individuals. Further tests and symptom evaluation are necessary for an accurate diagnosis.
What is often misdiagnosed as rosacea?
Rosacea is often mixed up with other skin problems like acne, dermatitis, psoriasis, or lupus. This happens because these conditions have similar symptoms, such as redness, bumps, and rashes.
What is the biggest indicator of lupus?
The main sign of lupus is a butterfly rash. This rash is red and looks like a butterfly, appearing on the cheeks and nose. It often appears after sun exposure.
What is the sister disease to lupus?
Sjögren’s syndrome is similar to lupus because both are autoimmune disorders that can occur together. They share some symptoms and treatments.
What age does lupus usually start?
Lupus usually begins in people between the ages of 15 and 44. However, it can also start in childhood or later in life.
How to quickly tell the difference between rosacea vs lupus rash?
Both of them give your face a butterfly-shaped redness, however, lupus starts off with cheeks and nose area, turning into reddish-purple over time. Rosacea remains red but overtime raises visible blood vessels and pimples that contain pus.
Call Us