Lupus is an autoimmune disease occurring when the immune system attacks its own tissues and organs. This condition is characterized by red rashes that appear on the body and face. It is a disorder that is hard to diagnose because it shares most of its symptoms with various other health conditions. Keep reading to learn more about the warning signs and trigger factors of lupus and ways to manage it.

Lupus rash
As mentioned earlier, lupus frequently manifests as skin rashes. A malar rash, also known as a butterfly rash, appears on the face. This rash covers your nose from cheek to cheek and resembles a butterfly. Together with the malar rash, lupus can cause skin rashes on other parts of the body. Types of lupus skin rashes vary depending on the specific types of the condition. Furthermore, a lupus skin rash may worsen due to exposure to ultraviolet radiation. This disease cannot be cured, only controlled.

Symptoms
Lupus symptoms and warning signs can vary between people. Most patients with this condition experience mild to severe flareups, defined by episodes wherein the symptoms temporarily worsen, then improve temporarily or disappear. The symptoms one experiences heavily depend on how the condition impacts the various physiological systems. Some of the common symptoms and warning signs of lupus are listed below.

• Fever
• Tiredness
• Joint discomfort, stiffness, and swelling
• A butterfly-shaped rash covering the cheekbones and nose bridge on the face or rashes on other body parts
• Breathing difficulties
• Skin lesions that form or worsen with exposure to the sun
• Fingers and toes that turn white or blue in the cold or under stressful circumstances
• Chest discomfort
• Headaches
• Memory Loss
• Dry eyes
• Headaches

Causes
Lupus is an autoimmune illness most likely developed due to genetic and environmental trigger factors. It is usually brought on by unknown causes. Some possible causes of the condition are listed below.

• Sun exposure can trigger internal reactions linked to lupus or skin lesions in susceptible individuals.
• Infections can bring on lupus or cause a relapse.
• Certain prescription treatments can trigger lupus. Though the patient might recover quickly after stopping the treatment, symptoms may sometimes persist after discontinuing the treatment.

Duration of lupus rashes
Days or weeks may pass before lupus rashes disappear. It could take longer for redness and skin discoloration to fade. Consult a healthcare professional if the rash doesn’t disappear in a day or two. Whether you have been diagnosed with lupus or not, getting yourself examined by a doctor is crucial. Your prognosis can be improved with early detection and treatment of lupus skin conditions.

Lupus treatment
Dermatologists recommend prescriptions to treat lupus and other related skin issues, promote hair growth, and lessen discomfort.

Risk factors
The following factors may increase one’s risk of developing lupus-

• Women are more susceptible to lupus.
• Lupus can affect people of any age, but it is commonly identified in people aged between 15 to 45

Complications
The body may experience inflammation brought on by lupus in a variety of areas, including-

• Nerve system and the brain- One can experience headaches, vertigo, changes in behavior, vision problems, seizures, or even a stroke if the condition affects the brain.
• Bloodstream and blood vessels- Blood issues brought on by lupus can increase the risk of bleeding and decrease the quantity of healthy red blood cells. Moreover, it may result in an inflammation of the blood vessels.
• Lungs- An irritation in the chest cavity lining is more likely to occur if a person has lupus.
• Heart- Lupus can trigger inflammation in the heart muscles, heart membrane, and arteries

Ways to avoid lupus rash
Prescription treatments can control the condition and reduce the likelihood of skin rashes development. Moreover, people can shield themselves against light exposure by doing the following-

• Even when a person is indoors, use a daily broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30.
• Utilizing low-wattage light bulbs at home
• Installing UV-blocking window coverings at home and the office
• Repositioning the work area away from windows