What could be the red, itchy butterfly rash on face other than rosacea?
ADVERTISEMENT

Q. Are red and itchy rosacea symptoms of lupus?

Answered by
Dr. Naik Dessai Gauri Govind
and medically reviewed by Dr. Vinodhini. J
This is a premium question & answer published on Jan 01, 2020 and last reviewed on: Aug 10, 2023

Hi doctor,

I am 39 years old. I have a very bad red, itchy, weeping, scaly butterfly rash on my face which my doctor says is Rosacea. But it has responded to no treatments except steroid cream so far. I also have excessive watering, itching, and swelling of my eyes (ocular rosacea). Not sure if there is a connection but my periods have become unusually light during the last year.

Could I have something more than just Rosacea do you think? I am currently being tested for lupus but would there be other possibilities for what could be causing this?

#

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

From the photos (attachment removed to protect patient identity) it looks like rosacea. However, the possibility of lupus and allergies to sun exposure can not be ruled out. You should check out for lupus. Steroids are not given in rosacea, as initially, it may give a good improvement, but as the times goes by you will be completely dependent on them. Topical steroids cause skin atrophy and hoards of other problems which is more or less permanent. So I will suggest you stay away from them.

Topical Metronidazole gel at night with a good sunscreen (as rosacea worsens with sun exposure) will give results. Rosacea is a chronic condition and will stay for a long time. You will have to manage it well. It some times shows signs of flare-ups and downs, generally as a response to anxiety, stress, excitement, and prolonged sun exposure.


Preventive measures:

Minimize sun exposure. Use sunscreen meticulously, daily. No cosmetics on the face.

Regarding follow up:

Follow up after the use of said medications in 15 days time.


Was this answer helpful?

 | 

Same symptoms doesn’t mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!



Related Questions:
Which is the best medicine for rosacea?

.. I discuss everything one by one. You had rosacea and for that you were using Noritate (Metronidazole) and Ziana (combination of Clindamycin phosphate and Tretinoin). Since how long you were using these medicines?   Read full

I am not sure if I have rosacea. Please help.

Hello doctor, I went to the ER for a painful gland. It turned out that I have a blocked salivary gland. When the CT scan was taken, there were notes in the report about silent sinus syndrome and other things that were never even brought up to me.   Read full

Is my ANA result indicative of lupus?

Hello doctor, I went to the ER for a painful gland. It turned out that I have a blocked salivary gland. When the CT scan was taken, there were notes in the report about silent sinus syndrome and other things that were never even brought up to me.   Read full

Also Read Answers From:

ideaComprehensive Medical Second Opinion.Submit your Case

Also Read


PCOS and Liver Problems
The hormonal imbalances in polycystic ovary syndrome could cause liver diseases. Read the article to know the relationship between these medical conditions.  Read more»
Inferior Alveolar Nerve Lateralization Technique
The inferior alveolar nerve lateralization technique is a surgical lateralization technique to reposition the nerve. Read the article to know more about this.  Read more»
COVID-19 and Ebola: Similarities and Differences
This article gives a comparison and broader overview of the outbreak of the two deadliest diseases that showed a greater incidence over the last two decades.  Read more»

Ask your health query to a doctor online?

Ask a Dermatologist Now

* guaranteed answer within 4 hours.

Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.