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What is a Butterfly Rash?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

A butterfly rash is a distinctive rash that forms across the cheeks and bridge of the nose in a shape that resembles a butterfly. Butterfly rashes are a classic sign of systemic lupus erythematosus, but they can also be associated with other conditions. People who develop a butterfly rash, and are not aware of any underlying medical condition to explain it, may want to seek an evaluation from a dermatologist. The doctor can evaluate the rash and the patient to explore possible causes and make recommendations for further testing and treatment, if necessary.

In a classic butterfly rash, the rash is reddish to purple, and it may have a scaly appearance. It does not itch and is not painful. The intensity of the rash can vary. Some people may develop a mild discoloration only, while others can develop very severe rashes that climb up around the eyes and are clearly red and scaly.

Abnormal skin textures and colors should be examined by a dermatologist.
Abnormal skin textures and colors should be examined by a dermatologist.

Though the rash is not painful or itchy, people may feel uncomfortable because it is highly visible. People with butterfly rashes tend to attract attention that may cause social distress or irritation, especially in the case of people who get tired of well-meaning questions about their faces. Taking anti-inflammatory drugs can sometimes reduce the intensity of the rash, and depending on the cause, there may be medications or topical creams that can be applied. Sometimes, treatment simply requires waiting the rash out until it resolves.

A butterfly rash may be a sign of systemic lupus erythematosus, which also causes severe headaches.
A butterfly rash may be a sign of systemic lupus erythematosus, which also causes severe headaches.

In addition to being associated with lupus, when it is known as a malar rash, a butterfly rash can also be caused by rosacea and many other chronic conditions. People who notice changes in their skin should take note of when the changes occur and how long they persist, in addition to listing any activities they were recently involved in, including taking medications, swimming in chlorinated water, or spending time outdoors. All of these activities can contribute to the development of a butterfly rash.

Applying sopical anti-inflammatory creams may help soothe a butterfly rash.
Applying sopical anti-inflammatory creams may help soothe a butterfly rash.

Patients with lupus may have photosensitive skin and will develop a malar rash after exposure to sunlight. The rash can also be a signal that a lupus flareup is imminent, providing warning to a patient who is familiar with the symptoms her body manifests before a flareup. Some lupus patients find it helpful to keep logs or diaries to chart their symptoms in order to familiarize themselves with warning signs and to track reactions to various activities, medications, and dietary changes.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

burcidi

This might not be the case for everyone who has lupus, but butterfly rash is always the first sign of a flare up in my case. I don't get the rash at any other time.

Exhaustion and sunlight are the main triggers for my lupus breakouts. As much as I try to protect myself and prevent it, it happens and I always know that it's coming when I see a rash forming on my cheeks and nose.

All I can do is stay out of light, relax and wait for it to go away. If it gets really bad, my doctor prescribes a cortisone or steroid cream.

SteamLouis

@feruze-- I have a butterfly rash on my face due to rosacea that I'm being treated for right now by my dermatologist.

When you look at the whole of my face, the rash is on my cheeks and my nose, so it looks like a butterfly from a distance. (The cheeks are the wings and the nose is the body).

Your rash might be a butterfly rash because the discoloration doesn't always happen at once. My rash started on the tip of my nose and then spread to my cheeks over time. If your nose also starts becoming discolored in addition to your cheeks, it is most likely a butterfly rash.

You should see a dermatologist and have them check it out. If the appearance doesn't confirm it, they can do a biopsy to see what it is.

bear78

I've developed a rash lately that seems to be slowly spreading across my cheeks but it's not very red or scaly. It also doesn't look like a butterfly to me.

I haven't gone to the doctor for a rash treatment yet because I think it's just due to too much sun exposure. I'm hoping it will go away soon.

I don't really understand what a butterfly rash is supposed to look like though. I know the article said that the rash can be mild which is what I have. But can a butterfly rash be shaped differently? Does it always look like a butterfly?

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    • Abnormal skin textures and colors should be examined by a dermatologist.
      By: michaeljung
      Abnormal skin textures and colors should be examined by a dermatologist.
    • A butterfly rash may be a sign of systemic lupus erythematosus, which also causes severe headaches.
      By: mast3r
      A butterfly rash may be a sign of systemic lupus erythematosus, which also causes severe headaches.
    • Applying sopical anti-inflammatory creams may help soothe a butterfly rash.
      By: Alliance
      Applying sopical anti-inflammatory creams may help soothe a butterfly rash.
    • Patients with lupus may have photosensitive skin and will develop a malar rash after exposure to sunlight.
      By: uwimages
      Patients with lupus may have photosensitive skin and will develop a malar rash after exposure to sunlight.