A facial rash is one of the most common symptoms of lupus. Also referred to as a butterfly rash, or a malar rash. According to the Cleveland Clinic, around 50% of patients with lupus have developed one.
What is a lupus face rash?
A Lupus face rash is characterized by a red rash running from the cheeks connecting over the bridge of the nose. It can be very unpleasant causing feelings of heat, discomfort, and embarrassment.
How to manage a lupus face rash?
Other than Prescribed antibiotic creams, topical steroids, and other variations of steroid creams like corticosteroid. There really isn’t a “cure” other than staying away from triggers like; sun, stress, spicy foods, and etc. But it’s not realistic to completely cut your triggers out of your life. Especially with summer right around the corner.
In today’s post I’m going to cover the 7 best products I use to manage my butterfly rash. It’s taken lots of trial and error to find products that don’t irritate my sensitive skin, and leave me with rebound redness. After years of searching and spending loads of money on skincare these are my holy grails I can’t live without.
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1. Face Wash
Finding a gentle face wash that did not cause rebound redness every time I washed my face. Was a journey. I also had to keep in mind the type of cleanser I was looking for. Having lupus comes with dry skin. Finding a face was that is gentle and nourishing is harder than it seems. This is the ONLY face wash I swear by it checks all the box’s I was looking for. Its gentle, fragrance free, easy to find, affordable, and keeps my skin clear.
2. Moisturizer
Having lupus comes with being constantly dry. It’s super important to take care of your skin by keeping it hydrated. The moisturizer you choose is just as important as your skincare routine as a whole. I really like this one. It’s affordable, never causes me to have rebound redness, does not cause me to break out, and I feel like my skin is actually hydrated after applying. I had the issue of trying countless moisturizers that would leave my skin feeling drier than it had before.
3. Foundation
Anytime my face is flaring up I will put a full coverage foundation on. Kinda random I know, but I feel it acts as a barrier. I definitely notice it helps my face calm down, and covers the rash so I don’t have to constantly worry. Is my face bright red right now? How bad is it? With stress being a major trigger it will only make it worse. Also when i’m planning to be out in the sun I ALWAYS put a full coverage foundation that has sunscreen in it.( As well as sunscreen underneath as a base). Its always good practice when sun is one of your biggest triggers. As well as sunscreen underneath as a base). Its always good practice
4. SPF
With sun being one of the biggest triggers of lupus face rashes. It’s important to have a good sunscreen to wear everyday. Even if you are planning to wear makeup. It’s good practice to put sunscreen on under. This is the only sunscreen I have found that doesn’t break my skin out, doesn’t feel sticky/oily, and doesn’t leave a huge white cast. It’s a little pricey in my opinion but completely worth it. Out of the 7 products I cant live without this sunscreen is number one on my list.
5. Vaseline
I know this is a random addition to the list, but vaseline is one of the best ways I have found to relieve a flare from my rash when I don’t want to put makeup on. I use it to slug. Which is where you apply a thick layer across the rash. I like slugging because it acts as a barrier, provides relief from the discomfort of the heat, tightness, and helps my face calm down. I don’t love the feeling of vaseline all over my face, but I don’t always want to put on a full face of makeup. This is a great option if your rash is flaring up during the evening. I will typically leave it on until my lupus rash calms down. Which can be anywhere from 30 minutes to 2-3 hours. Just wipe the excess off and make sure to wash your face well.
6. Ice roller
When my lupus rash is out of control it is very uncomfortable. My face feels very tight, hot, and swollen . One way I have found to relieve the discomfort almost immediately. Is ice rolling. Just pop it out of the freezer let it warm up for a second, and roll it across the rash. It’s uncomfortable at first but it always takes the discomfort from the heat away. If the ice roller isn’t for you try dunking your face in a bowl of ice water. This also works I just prefer the roller over freezing water, but some of these products can get pricey. So I like to include alternatives when I can!
7. Gua sha
Along with the ice roller I swear by gua shaing my face. Not only does the stone pull the heat from your face. Which is extremely soothing when your face feels like it’s on fire. But the benefits of using a gua sha like; improve your body’s detoxification process, reduce inflammation, boost circulation, aid in lymphatic drainage, reduce puffiness, and relieve tension headaches. Are what sold me on learning how to gua sha my face. It was just the cherry on top when I found out it also soothed my lupus rash. It’s very important to do it correctly though. Click here to check out an article that goes over gua sha 101.
Managing your lupus rash can be tricky at times, but with some good products. It’s not too bad. What products do you swear by? Let us know we would love to give them a try.
