Skincare Tips for Lupus

One of the most noticeable symptoms of lupus is the changes in the skin, which can be upsetting for the affected individuals. Fortunately, there are many ways to reduce the frequency, duration and severity of these skin-related symptoms and, hence, enjoy relief.

Be Aware of the Symptoms

While lupus can result in many types of skin rashes, not all skin rashes are caused by lupus. The importance of always seeking medical opinion cannot be overemphasized, especially as the skin rash may not be caused by lupus. However, it may be caused by another health condition, such as skin cancer.

Nonetheless, the most common skin-related symptoms of lupus are as follows:

• Butterfly rash, also known as malar rush, usually spreads over the nose and cheeks in a butterfly-shaped configuration. Its appearance can range from just a faint blush to a severe scaly rash that can be made worse by sun exposure.
• Sores and rashes may not cause pain and moderate to severe itchiness during the initial stage, but without treatment, these can get worse.
• Small, red and coin-shaped sores, known as subacute cutaneous lesions, appear on the arms, shoulders, upper torso and neck in patches. These are similar to psoriasis, but the treatments may be different.

Lupus also causes other skin problems in sensitive areas including the mouth and scalp as well as the fingers and lower legs. These include sores in the mouth (mucous membrane lesions); hair loss from the scalp lesions; fragile and brittle hair; and purplish or reddish spots, knots and lines on the lower legs. Even the colors of the fingers and toes particularly their tips can turn red, white or blue in a cold environment.

Always Protect Your Skin from the Sun

While the sun may be essential to good skin health for the general population, individuals with lupus are well-advised to limit, if not avoid, their sun exposure. This is because both types of ultraviolet rays – UVA and UVB – will encourage skin outbreaks.

• Apply sunscreen every day even during cloudy or rainy days regardless of the distance covered when walking, jogging or driving outdoors. Use a sunscreen with an SPF50 or higher strength and with zinc, or titanium dioxide, or mexoryl for both UVA and UVB protection.
• Reapply the sunscreen once every 2-3 hours, more when you are swimming or sweating in warm weather.
• Avoid sun exposure during the peak hours from 10AM to 4PM, but you can exercise outdoors in the early morning or in the late afternoon.
• Wear protective clothing especially when going outside. These include long-sleeved shirts and long pants, wide-brimmed hats and polarized sunglasses, and perhaps an umbrella for good measure.

Use Makeup and Medicine the Right Way

A few medicines can increase sensitivity to the sun’s rays, such as anti-inflammatory drugs and antibiotics. Ask your doctor about the appropriate precautions that can be taken to cope with the side effects in your case.

Ask your doctor about medications, such as topical applications and oral drugs, for many of the lupus-related rashes. For example, the butterfly rash can be remedied by corticosteroid creams, gels and ointments with severe cases requiring injections.

Makeup can also be used as cover-up for uneven skin tone, scars and blotches. Ask a professional makeup artist for tips, when necessary.

About Healthpointe:

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