Lupus Rashes – What Is Lupus And Why Skin Rashes Appear

Causes Of Lupus Rashes

Lupus, technically known as lupus erythematosus, is a reaction of the natural immune system of the body, in which the skin, joints, kidneys, bloodstream and other body parts become inflamed. This is a complex disease that affects women in most cases and lasts for several years. The symptoms of this condition may also vary from person to person, and can sometimes never be fully cured. Common among these are fevers, joint aches and muscle pain. Depending on the symptoms, lupus is categorized as systemic and discoid. The former kind manifests itself through symptoms like exhaustion and body pains, while the latter is mostly restricted to external symptoms like skin lesions. A blood test is generally sufficient to distinguish between the two types of lupus. Lupus rashes mostly appear on the cheeks and nose, as well as on the back, chest, scalp and feet. These rashes tend to be itchy but should never be scratched with fingernails. They tend to get aggravated due to exposure to direct sunlight or contact with harsh chemicals in detergents and certain body products. These rashes are not contagious but they have a tendency of recurring. Often, lupus rashes on the scalp cause hair loss, while in more serious cases the condition might lead to anemia, lung disorders and breathing trouble.

There are quite a few effective home remedies for relieving itchy and painful body rashes. One of the most popular remedies for treating lupus rashes is to add half a cup of oatmeal in a tub of tepid bath water and soak your body in it for at least 20 minutes. For another remedy, grind a few holy basil leaves in two tablespoons of olive oil and add to this mixture two cloves of garlic, and a bit of pepper and salt. Apply this mixture on the rashes to prevent infections and reduce inflammation. External application of olive oil, vitamin E oil or cod liver oil is also known to be of great help in treating body rashes caused by lupus. You could also apply the juice of aloe vera on the affected areas in order to soothe itchy skin and reduce rashes. Dabbing the rashes with some baking powder also relieves local irritation caused by rashes. Including natural sources of vitamin C in your diet such as citrus fruits is also recommended as they have antioxidant properties that help cure rashes. Avoid flavored curds, breads and pickles, as they might contain allergens that trigger off the eruption of rashes.