Is there a connection between lupus and rosacea?

Lupus is a chronic, scarring skin disease. It is characterized by a variety of symptoms, including some in the vascular system. Due to the fact that lupus can cause a red rash across the nose and face, often in a butterfly pattern it can be confused with or misdiagnosed as rosacea. However the presence of bumps and pimples rarely occur in a lupus flare which may help differentiate the diseases. Additionally lupus is often accompanied by other symptoms not associated with rosacea including, arthritis and signs of renal, lung or heart involvement. A dermatologist can usually tell the difference between a butterfly rash of lupus and rosacea.

Diagnosing Lupus or Rosacea

Since their is no direct link between these conditions its important to be sure of which one may be effecting you and treat it accordingly. Your doctor or dermatologist is best placed to diagnose, but being armed with as much information as you can find is also essential in assuring that you receive valid information and treatment. Don't be afraid to seek a second option or look for alternative treatment such as homeopathy.

Types of Lupus

There are three types of lupus: discoid, systemic, and drug-induced.

Discoid lupus is always limited to the skin. It is identified by a rash that may appear on the face, neck and scalp. Discoid lupus does not generally involve the body's internal organs. As a result a blood test used to detect systemic lupus, may be negative in patients with discoid lupus. However, in a large number of patients with discoid lupus, the ANA test is positive, but at a low level ".

Systemic lupus may include periods in which few, if any, symptoms are evident (remission) and other times when the disease becomes more active (flare). Most often when people mention "lupus," they are referring to the systemic form of the disease. Systemic lupus is usually more severe than discoid lupus, and can affect almost any organ or system of the body. For some people, only the skin and joints will be involved. In others, the joints, lungs, kidneys, blood or other organs and/or tissues may be affected.

Drug-induced lupus occurs after the use of certain prescribed drugs. The symptoms of drug-induced lupus are similar to those of systemic lupus. The drugs most commonly connected with drug-induced lupus are hydralazine and procainamide. Only about 4 percent of the people who take these drugs will develop the antibodies suggestive of lupus. The symptoms usually fade when the medications are discontinued.

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