How long will the skin itch in the early stages of lupus erythematosus?

Written by Liu Li Ning
Rheumatology
Updated on March 21, 2025
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The duration of itching in the early stages of lupus erythematosus is not fixed.

It is not certain that early-stage lupus erythematosus will cause itching. Some patients may experience itching, which can subside on its own, but it tends to recur. Additionally, some patients may have itching due to allergies, which can result in rashes accompanied by itching. It is possible to check immunoglobulin E to see if there are any allergic factors present.

If allergies are involved, treatment can include antihistamines or corticosteroids, or topical calamine lotion can be used to relieve symptoms.

Besides affecting the skin, early-stage lupus erythematosus can also cause symptoms such as oral ulcers and arthritis in many patients.

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Written by Li Jing
Rheumatology
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What causes lupus erythematosus?

Firstly, systemic lupus erythematosus is a chronic, multi-systemic, systemic autoimmune disease that commonly occurs in women of childbearing age, more frequently seen in females, with a significantly higher incidence rate in females than in males. The cause is currently unclear, only indicating that experts believe it is related to environmental pollution, viral infections, hormone levels, genetics, etc., but there is no definitive evidence proving which factors it is related to, only stating that there are studies linking it to these factors. Its clinical manifestations also vary, with most cases having a gradual onset, characterized by recurrent erythema, even pustules, Raynaud's phenomenon, etc. A minority of patients may have a sudden onset, primarily presenting with major hematologic damage.

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Written by Zhang Lin
Rheumatology and Immunology Nephrology
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Can people with lupus eat mangoes?

For patients with lupus erythematosus, we recommend caution in consuming mangoes. Mangoes are among the fruits that commonly cause allergies. After allergic reactions, most people develop rashes, and skin redness is a symptom of lupus erythematosus. If an allergy is triggered, it can worsen the redness and may also be confused with the rash associated with lupus patients. We can eat some grapes, as grapes are a nourishing food that promotes health and longevity. We can also eat some watermelons, which are rich in water and act as a natural nutrient solution, containing various nutrients. However, the intake of food should not be excessive.

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Written by Zhang Lin
Rheumatology and Immunology Nephrology
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What are the symptoms of the early stage of lupus erythematosus?

The main symptom in the early stage of lupus is the appearance of a butterfly-shaped rash on the face, with most patients initially exhibiting these rashes, some of which are not butterfly-shaped. The rash can also appear on fingers, palms, and around the nails. Additionally, over 80% of patients experience unexplained fevers, which are irregular and can sometimes reach up to 40 degrees Celsius. Some patients also experience joint pain in the early stages of the disease, mainly starting with pain in larger joints such as the elbows, knees, and ankles. If joint pain is accompanied by fever, rash, and a decrease in white blood cells, it is advisable to promptly visit a hospital for an examination to check for lupus. Some patients may also experience Raynaud's phenomenon and photosensitivity in the early stages of lupus. There are no fixed symptoms in the early stages of lupus; it is mainly important to observe oneself regularly and seek medical attention if feeling unwell.

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Written by Zhang Lin
Rheumatology and Immunology Nephrology
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Does lupus cause itchy skin?

The rash in patients with lupus erythematosus is generally not noticeably itchy. In patients with lupus erythematosus, the characteristic changes include a butterfly-shaped rash on the bridge of the nose and cheeks. The skin lesions of lupus erythematosus include photosensitivity, hair loss, erythema on the palms and soles and around the nails, discoid lupus, nodular erythematosus, seborrheic dermatitis, livedo reticularis, and Raynaud's phenomenon, among others. Generally, there is no noticeable itching. If significant itching occurs, it suggests an allergy. Itchy rash after immunosuppressive treatment should be monitored for fungal infections. Lupus patients receiving steroid and immunosuppressive therapy, if experiencing unexplained localized skin burning, may be showing early signs of herpes zoster and should seek prompt medical attention at a hospital.

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Written by Zhang Lin
Rheumatology and Immunology Nephrology
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What causes lupus erythematosus?

The cause of lupus erythematosus is not yet very clear. It is generally believed that the disease is caused by a combination of factors including genetics, environment, estrogen levels, and drugs, leading to immune disorder and consequently the onset of this disease. Studies have found that factors directly related to the onset of lupus erythematosus include ultraviolet rays causing apoptosis of epidermal cells, exposure of new antigens becoming autoantigens, and infections; Other possible related factors include drugs such as hydralazine and isoniazid, as well as food dyes, hair dyes, celery, figs, mushrooms, smoked foods, psychological stress, etc.; it may also be related to factors such as tobacco, vinyl chloride, asbestos, and vaccinations.