The lupus butterfly rash, also called the malar rash, is probably the best known characteristic of lupus. The lupus butterfly rash may be one of the first signs that you may have lupus. The malar rash occurs in about half of the patients with SLE and is characterized by a butterfly-shaped red rash that extends over the bridge of the nose and the cheeks. The rash may be flat or raised. The malar rash often appears or gets worse after sun exposure (photosensitivity) or stress that causes an increase in the circulation to the skin.

Sometimes the lupus butterfly rash appears on other parts of the body as well, usually on the trunk, arms or legs. The malar rash is normally is itch-free and painless, although it may itch and cause a burning sensation. Sometimes the malar rash accompanies a flare (an active state of lupus). The malar rash may be the first of lupus signs and symptoms. It may be a sign that lupus is entering an active phase or it may actually cause the disease to attack other tissues in the body.

The lupus butterfly rash can be as mild as a slight blush-like rash to a severe, scaly rash. The butterfly rash may also be short lived, or it may last for many months. The reason the malar rash is shaped like a butterfly is because it follows the angle that the UV rays land on the skin. The malar rash is caused by a malfunctioning immune system which causes the body to attack healthy tissues in the skin.

The lupus butterfly rash was first described by the Viennese physician Ferdinand von Hebra. He noticed a butterfly-shaped rash on the cheeks and nose of lupus patients in the 1840s. It is distinctive from the normal sunburn or blush of the cheeks due to its tell-tale shape and unique characteristics. It may be very faint or it may be very obvious.

The rash lupus symptom can also be accompanied by lupus hair loss, lupus fatigue or other symptoms of this autoimmune disease.

To prevent the lupus butterfly rash from occurring, the you should be sure to wear protective clothing when outdoors, wear a wide-brimmed hat, avoid going out in the sun when the sun is at its hottest (between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.), always wear a wide spectrum (protects against UVA and UVB rays) sunscreen of at least an SPF (sun protection factor) of 30 whenever you go outside, and use sun shades for windows.

If you experience a butterfly-shaped rash over the bridge of your nose and your cheeks, see your doctor. This may be a sign that you have lupus. If you are already diagnosed with lupus, and you develop the malar rash, you should tell your doctor because this may be a sign that the disease is going into an active phase. You should be aware of symptoms of other lupus related problems as well so that these can be treated before permanent damage can result. If you have lupus, it is up to you to stay informed and aware of any new symptoms and problems.

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