Butterfly Rash (Malar): Telltale Lupus Symptom?

The butterfly rash is a reddish purple facial rash that appears on the faces of many Lupus Warriors. 31% – 65% of people with lupus experience the skin symptom. Many associations, funds, bloggers, and lupus advocates include a butterfly in their logos. This symbol is common as a reference to the butterfly rash (also known as the malar rash). Named from the Latin word ‘mala’ meaning jaw or cheek-bone, the rash takes the shape of a butterfly. It appears on the: cheeks bridge of the nose NOT on the smile/laugh lines on the side of the nose that run to the corner of the mouth called the nasolabial folds The rash can be raises or flat, blotchy or solid. In severe cases, the butterfly rash can be painful. Typically, it is a slightly itchy rash that may feel “hot.” The American College of Rheumatology lupus diagnosis rubric includes the butterfly rash. So it is part of the evaluation for getting a lupus diagnosis. However, not all Lupus Warriors will experience the rash. How common is the rash? Because the answer was not clear after reviewing the existing research, LupusCorner conducted a poll.

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