Lupus Skin Rash Pictures Jun 2026

| Condition | Key Visual Difference from Lupus | | :--- | :--- | | | Affects the central face BUT includes flushing, visible blood vessels, and often spares the nasolabial fold? (Actually, rosacea often includes the fold. Lupus spares it.) | | Seborrheic Dermatitis | Yellowish, greasy scales in oily areas (scalp, eyebrows, sides of nose). Lupus scales are dry and silvery. | | Psoriasis | Thick, silvery-white scale that bleeds when picked. SCLE has thinner, less adherent scale. | | Ringworm (Tinea) | Active border with central clearing, but it is usually a single patch that expands outward slowly. Lupus annular lesions are multiple and appear quickly after sun. | | Dermatomyositis | Heliotrope rash (purple eyelids) and Gottron’s papules (bumpy red knuckles). Lupus does not cause these. |

In this guide, we provide a detailed visual roadmap of lupus-specific rashes, from the classic butterfly rash to chronic discoid lesions. While pictures are invaluable for education, they cannot replace a dermatologist’s biopsy or a rheumatologist’s evaluation.

Take a "baseline" set of when your skin is at its best. Then, during a flare, compare. Look for: lupus skin rash pictures

It is important to note that one in three cases of SCLE can be caused by or worsened by medications, including certain blood pressure medications (calcium channel blockers) and acid reflux medications (proton pump inhibitors). View images of Subacute Cutaneous Lupus on Lupus.org 4. Other Lupus-Related Skin Problems

Neonatal lupus is a rare condition that affects newborns whose mothers have lupus. It can cause a rash, as well as other symptoms. | Condition | Key Visual Difference from Lupus

These lesions often do not itch or hurt, but they can cause permanent scarring, skin discoloration (lighter or darker patches), and permanent hair loss if they occur on the scalp. 3. Subacute Cutaneous Lupus Lesions

Because lupus rash symptoms can overlap with other conditions like eczema, psoriasis, or rosacea, diagnosis can be difficult, leading to the nickname "the great imitator". Lupus scales are dry and silvery

These rashes are usually non-scarring but can lead to changes in skin color (pigmentation) after healing. View Subacute Cutaneous Lupus Images on DermNet 3. Chronic Cutaneous Lupus (Discoid Lupus)

, commonly known as the "butterfly rash." It typically appears as a flat or raised red eruption across the bridge of the nose and the cheeks, sparing the nasolabial folds (the lines from the nose to the corners of the mouth). While it can look like a simple sunburn, its persistent nature and distinct shape are key identifiers. Discoid and Subacute Rashes Beyond the face, lupus manifests in other cutaneous forms: Discoid Lupus:

If you have a persistent rash, especially one that worsens with sun exposure, appears with joint pain, fatigue, or fever, consult a rheumatologist or dermatologist. A skin biopsy may be needed to confirm lupus.

This type of rash is often a hallmark of a systemic lupus flare (SLE).