Visit http://symptomsforlupus.com/tag/butterfly-rash/. This photograph is a good representation of a butterfly rash which is a symptom of lupus. The butterfly rash is also called Malar rash. The reason many lupus patients get a butterfly rash is because their body produces an immune response. Lupus is an autoimmune disease in which the body's immune system attacks healthy cells and tissues. A person can have a butterfly-shaped rash without having lupus. Some sunburns and rosacea rashes can resemble a butterfly, but are not Malar rashes. Also, not everyone who has lupus gets the butterfly rash. The severity of the butterfly rash varies depending on the person and the severity of the lupus flare.
Rashes in general are a body's immune response to a pathogen. In healthy individuals, a person might get a rash when they contract an illness such as the measles. In patients with lupus, the immune system becomes activated whenever there is no pathogen (i.e. Bacteria, viruses, fungus) present. The person is not ill, but their immune system is active, and the body is tricked into believing the person is ill. This is why a patient with lupus can develop a rash, which is an occurrence that usually only takes place during an illness or allergic reaction. A flare occurs when a lupus patient's immune system is overactive, and this can result in a butterfly rash, damage to cells or tissues, and other symptoms.
If you or someone you know acquires a butterfly rash, it is best to see a doctor. Only a doctor can determine if the rash is actually a Malar rash, or something else. If your doctor thinks you have lupus, they will most likely refer you to a rheumatologist. They are specially trained to deal with lupus patients. The symptoms of lupus can mimic the symptoms of other illnesses, especially other autoimmune diseases.
Rashes in general are a body's immune response to a pathogen. In healthy individuals, a person might get a rash when they contract an illness such as the measles. In patients with lupus, the immune system becomes activated whenever there is no pathogen (i.e. Bacteria, viruses, fungus) present. The person is not ill, but their immune system is active, and the body is tricked into believing the person is ill. This is why a patient with lupus can develop a rash, which is an occurrence that usually only takes place during an illness or allergic reaction. A flare occurs when a lupus patient's immune system is overactive, and this can result in a butterfly rash, damage to cells or tissues, and other symptoms.
If you or someone you know acquires a butterfly rash, it is best to see a doctor. Only a doctor can determine if the rash is actually a Malar rash, or something else. If your doctor thinks you have lupus, they will most likely refer you to a rheumatologist. They are specially trained to deal with lupus patients. The symptoms of lupus can mimic the symptoms of other illnesses, especially other autoimmune diseases.
