Do the rashes caused by lupus itch?

Written by Liu Li Ning
Rheumatology
Updated on January 23, 2025
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The erythema triggered by lupus erythematosus may or may not be itchy, varying from person to person, with each individual's condition not being entirely the same. The erythema caused by systemic lupus erythematosus also presents very differently clinically, with the typical manifestation being a butterfly-shaped erythema on the face. Other common forms include discoid erythema, reticular purpura, polymorphic rash, periungual erythema, and more. The specific pathogenic mechanism is currently unclear, and in some patients, the condition is caused by photosensitivity. After treatment, the erythema cannot completely disappear in a significant number of patients, leaving some pigment deposition. If only the skin is affected, treatment can involve the topical use of tacrolimus ointment or the oral intake of immunomodulators like hydroxychloroquine, and if necessary, oral corticosteroids may be administered.

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Written by Liu Li Ning
Rheumatology
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What is lupus and is it serious?

Lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune disease, which can be very severe in some cases and mild in others. For example, cutaneous lupus erythematosus generally does not involve major organs and usually presents with mild symptoms, primarily affecting the skin and mucous membranes. However, systemic lupus erythematosus can affect significant organs like the kidneys and heart in many patients, often leading to severe medical conditions. Especially, patients with rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis and those with coronary atherosclerotic heart disease tend to have a higher mortality rate. If systemic lupus erythematosus is diagnosed, it is crucial to receive standardized treatment early. Typically, treatment involves long-term maintenance with corticosteroids and immunosuppressants to control the progression of the disease and reduce the likelihood of mortality.

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Written by Zhang Lin
Rheumatology and Immunology Nephrology
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Can lupus be inherited?

Lupus erythematosus is not a genetic disease, but it is a disease with a genetic predisposition. This means that genetic diseases refer to monogenic diseases, including albinism, color blindness, etc., which are determined by a pair of alleles. However, lupus erythematosus is a disease with a genetic predisposition, determined by multiple genes. Although lupus erythematosus is not a genetic disease, if your parents have lupus erythematosus, the chance of the next generation developing lupus erythematosus is about 1% to 16%. This relationship is especially significant between mothers and daughters, and among sisters. Genetic factors account for approximately 20% of the importance in the development of lupus erythematosus. Only the combination of genetic factors and environmental factors together can lead to the occurrence of lupus erythematosus.

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Written by Liu Li Ning
Rheumatology
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Systemic lupus erythematosus has several symptoms, including:

Common manifestations of lupus include facial butterfly rash, discoid rash, photosensitivity, joint pain or arthritis, mental symptoms, recurrent oral ulcers, hair loss, foamy urine, etc. Patients with mesenteric vasculitis as the initial symptom mainly complain of abdominal pain and bloating. If the hematological system is the initial symptom, the main complaint is usually fatigue. If the patient presents with a seizure as the initial symptom, the main manifestation is limb convulsions. The heterogeneity of lupus is strong, and different patients can exhibit completely different clinical manifestations.

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Written by Zhang Lin
Rheumatology and Immunology Nephrology
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What should I do if lupus causes a cold and cough?

When patients with lupus erythematosus experience a cold and cough, we should first conduct a routine blood test to see if it is caused by an infection, and then treat the symptoms accordingly. If the patient has a cough with phlegm, we should first help the patient clear the phlegm to avoid choking. Patients with lupus erythematosus should not take medication at will. If medication is needed to treat the cold and cough, it should be used under the guidance of a doctor.

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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.