What Are the Treatments for Lupus Skin Irritation?

Lupus is an autoimmune disease that causes the immune system to attack healthy cells and tissue within the body. There is no definitive test for lupus. Its diagnosis is achieved through a wide variety of tests and the process of elimination. There are several types of lupus, including systemic lupus, discoid lupus, subacute cutaneous lupus and neonatal lupus, which affects only newborns. All these different types of lupus include a few common factors, including skin irritation.

Manifestations

Skin irritation from lupus manifests itself in a variety of ways. From mild itching and hives to a variety of rashes, it is an almost ever-present symptom of lupus. All types of lupus skin irritations are caused by the irritation of the nerve fibers underneath the skin. Different types vary in their severity.

Types

The most common type of skin irritation associated with lupus is what doctors refer to as the telltale "butterfly" rash. Encompassing the cheeks and nose, it typically takes on the shape of a butterfly.

Mouth sores are another type of skin irritation caused by lupus. These can occur as one sore or an entire mouthful of painful sores.

A rash consisting of tiny red spots is yet another manifestation of lupus on the skin. This rash affects the back, neck, arms, hands and occasionally the face.

According to researchers at the Mayo Clinic, a serious skin irritation caused by lupus is the formation of skin lesions. These lesions can form anywhere on the skin where there is sun exposure. People with lupus are far more susceptible to damage from sun exposure than other people.

Treatments

One of the more common treatments for lupus is corticosteroids. These medications contain a natural anti-inflammatory hormone called cortisol that helps suppress inflammation. Corticosteroids may be taken orally in the form of pills or topically applied directly onto lupus skin irritations in the forms of creams or ointments.

Treatments

Antimalarial medications were originally designed to treat malaria but are now also being used in the treatment of lupus and its associated skin irritations. These drugs are taken orally but are not without side effects. Patients taking antimalarial drugs for the treatment of lupus skin irritation are prone to suffering from nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, headache, nervousness, eye damage, muscle weakness and dizziness.

Treatments

Immunosuppressives block the production and function of the immune cells. This type of treatment is typically used only in lupus sufferers whose kidneys or central nervous system are affected. Administered either orally or through an IV, these treatments help lupus skin irritations without some of the side effects of corticosteroids. The method is often referred to as "steroid sparing." However this therapy isn't free from side effects. They include nausea, vomiting, bladder problems, hair loss and decreased fertility.

Treatments

The most radical form of treatment for lupus and its wide range of symptoms is called intravenous immunoglobulins, or IVIGs. These are blood proteins that act as antibodies. While it is not yet been proven how they work, medical professionals at the Cincinnati Children's Hospital have found them to be a successful treatment in lupus sufferers when a major organ, lymph vessels or blood vessels are affected. While it treats most all of the skin irritations associated with lupus, one of its side effects is a rash at the IV area.

Considerations

While there is no actual cure for lupus, great strides have been made within the medical field toward research of causes and treatments. Lupus skin irritations that were once considered among the hardest to alleviate are now treated in a timely manner in most patients.

Resources

• MedLine Plus