Which drug works for persistent lupus rash?

Question

Hi doctor,

I have been suffering from SLE and was diagnosed with lupus two years ago. My rheumatologist says my lupus is in remission now. However, I still take Hydroxychloroquine 200 mg and 2.5 mg of Prednisolone every alternate day. I have sunlight sensitivity and get rashes on my cheeks very often.

Also, the skin on my lips becomes very dry and sometimes bleeds. My dermatologist gave me sunscreen SPF 30. However, there seems to be no improvement. She then prescribed Benzoyl peroxide, but it burns a lot, so I stopped the application. What is the remedy for rosacea or malar rash?

Please help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I can understand your concern.

Luckily, this does not seem to be partially treated rosacea. This is most likely adult-onset acne, which I see all the time. You have mixed skin and have a distribution of both very dry skin, predominantly around your lips, and extremely oily on your cheeks. The creams that you used before both of them cause dryness. It seems like your doctor was trying to help relieve sun sensitivity and acne treatment, along with some lupus treatment.

Since you have very sensitive skin, let us be very gentle and play safe and try simple things first. I will prescribe an antibiotic facial cream and some other creams for you, but I need some information before I do, so I have a complete history, if that is alright with you:

Are there any associated medication allergies?
What is your daily face wash?
Does it have salicylate in it?
Do you use something that has microbeads in it?
What is your daily moisturizer?
Is it water-based or oil-based?
How many times do you use it?

I hope this information will help you.

Kindly follow up if you have more concerns.

Thank you.