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Development of Body Acne Scarring in Lupus Patients

The development of body acne scarring in lupus patients is something of a misnomer. The rashes and sores that appear on the skin of people with lupus are just that, batches of rashes and sores, not acne. However, these lesions can cause scarring.

  1. Butterfly Rash

    • The most common lupus rash is known as the "butterfly rash," distinguished by the manner in which it settles across the bridge of the nose and slopes across the cheeks below the eyes. It may be flat or raised and red or pinkish.

    Discoid Rash

    • A discoid rash is a circular outbreak that normally appears on areas of the skin exposed to sunlight. Discoid lesions are typically scaly, red and raised, but usually not itchy. Unfortunately, they do sometimes scar the skin. Upon healing, a permanent darkening or lightening of the skin in the previously affected area may occur.

    Preventative Treatment

    • The best way to limit the possibility of scarring is to limit the occurrence of outbreaks. Oral corticosteroid and/or antimalarial drugs are often prescribed for this purpose. Sunscreen and avoidance of direct sunlight is critical.

    Outbreak Treatment

    • When outbreaks do occur, corticosteroid creams or ointments for application to the rash or lesions can help reduce their severity. "If the lesion does not respond to cream or ointment, the doctor may prescribe injections of corticosteroids directly into the lesion," according to the Lupus Foundation of America.

    Scalp Scars

    • Lupus often causes hair loss as scars develop on the scalp. Extensive scarring significantly reduces the ability of hair to regrow, but hope remains if the area of scarring is limited. Corticosteroid and/or antimalarial drugs help to keep lupus inactive and strengthen the possibility of regrowth in damaged parts of the scalp.

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