The skin is the largest organ of the body. Although many focus on keeping it youthful and wrinkle-free, they forget that it is also a means of capturing potential health issues from other parts of the body.
If you suddenly have pimples, discoloration, or a rash on your face, you may have an autoimmune condition, an allergy, a virus, or even heart disease, and the face is one place on the body that can give us these cues to recognize you.
If you notice a specific rash on a certain area of the body, it may be time to see a doctor for a blood test.
A butterfly-shaped stain
A “butterfly-like” rash on the face is a possible indicator of an autoimmune disease called lupus.
If you notice a red rash on your face that spreads to your cheeks and the bridge of your nose, it may be a symptom of lupus. Due to its shape, it is also known as a “butterfly rash”.
It is usually reddish, pink, or purple in color and can appear as a blotchy, smooth, or textured surface. Although butterfly rash can come and go over a period of days or weeks, it can be a symptom of a wide range of underlying health problems, other than lupus.
As reported by Dr. Maryann Mikhail of GoodRx, this rash is actually considered a telltale sign of lupus. In fact, about 50% of all lupus patients develop a butterfly-shaped rashaccording to the Johns Hopkins Wolf Center.
A “butterfly-like” rash on the face is a possible indicator of an autoimmune disease called lupus.
Common symptoms associated with lupus
Systemic lupus erythematosus, as it is called, is a complex autoimmune disease It affects the kidneys, brain, heart, lungs, skin, and joints. Lupus symptoms include:
- Fatigue;
- Hair loss;
- light sensitivity;
- Dry Eye;
- brain fog;
- joint pain.
If you want to know more symptoms and possible ways to treat lupus, you can read the article on lupus symptoms and treatment.