Butterfly erythema and eczema are two very different pathologies. The first is a symptom that occurs in people with lupus and generally has the appearance of a skin irritation that extends from the bridge of the nose towards both cheeks, generating a shape that resembles that of a butterfly. On the other hand, eczema, also called eczematous dermatitis, causes the appearance of itchy patches in which the skin is dry and red. If you are unsure where your symptoms are, go to your doctor to have your face examined.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Examine the Rash
Step 1. Look closely at the irritated skin
The typical features of butterfly erythema differ from those of eczema, so the details can help you distinguish the two conditions:
- Eczema is a clinical condition that manifests itself as patches where the skin is red, dry, cracked, itchy and sore. They can develop anywhere on the body, but the areas most commonly affected are those where the skin forms folds, such as on the hands and fingers, on the inside of the elbows, on the back of the knees, on the face and on the scalp.. During the healing process, the skin may appear temporarily depigmented.
- Butterfly erythema owes its name to the shape it typically takes on the face, being generally located on the bridge of the nose and cheeks. In this case, the skin appears red, swollen and may be scaly, itchy or painful. The same irritation can also affect other areas of the face or the wrists and hands, but usually does not affect the creases that run from the sides of the nose to the corners of the mouth.
Step 2. Assess what triggered the rash
The causes at the origin of the two pathologies are different. Knowing what causes one and the other can help you tell them apart.
- Eczema is often caused by irritants (such as those contained in soaps, detergents, and other products that include chemicals), climatic factors (such as cold, dry air, or humidity), environmental allergens (such as dust mites, animal hair, pollen or mold), food allergens (such as milk, egg, peanut, soy or wheat) allergies to certain fabrics (such as wool or synthetic fibers) or hormonal changes (for example in women during menstruation or pregnancy).
- Butterfly rash can develop without an apparent cause or after exposure to the sun's rays. If so, it is important to see a doctor as it could be a symptom of lupus.
Step 3. Assess if you have any other symptoms
Butterfly erythema itself is a symptom of lupus, while eczema is not a sign of an underlying condition.
- In many cases, people with eczema also suffer from allergies, hay fever or asthma. If not, usually at least one member of their family has one of these disorders.
- People with butterfly erythema usually have other symptoms of lupus that can sometimes flare up. They include exhaustion, fever, sensitivity to sunlight, chest pain, migraines, confusion, memory loss, difficulty breathing, dry eyes, pain or swelling in the joints or fingers or toes that turn white or blue in response. to stress or cold.
Part 2 of 2: Ask the Doctor for Help
Step 1. See your doctor if you have an unexplained rash
If you are unable to figure out what kind of irritation it is, eczema or butterfly rash, let your doctor examine you and diagnose it. Going to the doctor is essential if:
- You have other symptoms that may indicate the presence of a more serious underlying condition, such as lupus. In order to make a certain diagnosis, the doctor will visit you and prescribe specific laboratory tests.
- There are signs that an infection may be in progress, such as pus discharge, red streaks, yellowish crusts, or increasing pain or swelling.
- The skin is so sore or itchy that it interferes with your ability to do normal daily activities or get a good night's rest.
Step 2. Prepare to go to the doctor
By planning ahead, you can be sure that you get the most out of your appointment, both in terms of the information you can get from your doctor and what you want to give him so that he can make an accurate diagnosis. The symptoms of lupus can be confused with those of other diseases so, if you are suspicious, your doctor may refer you to a specialist who can verify this diagnosis.
- Prepare a list of questions you want to ask the doctor. You may want to ask how long it will take to heal, if there are any healing techniques you should practice at home, or if you need to take medication.
- Also make a list of the symptoms you have experienced so far, specifying for each one when it first occurred and how often it returns.
- Finally, make a list of all the over-the-counter and prescription medications, supplements, natural remedies, vitamins, and herbs you are taking. Specify the dosage and frequency next to each item. If you find it easier, you can also take the packs with you and show them to the doctor. It is important that he has this information in order to determine if the rash is the body's reaction to some substance you are taking. In addition, if you decide to prescribe a treatment, it is essential that you can assess the risk of interactions with other substances.
Step 3. Undergo the necessary clinical examinations
If you have eczema, your doctor is likely to be able to diagnose it simply by analyzing your skin condition and medical record. If, on the other hand, he suspects it is butterfly rash, you may need to undergo a number of laboratory tests to help him determine if you have lupus. There is no single specific test to diagnose lupus, but based on your symptoms, the following tests will help your doctor gather the information needed to make a diagnosis:
- Blood and urine tests to determine liver and kidney health conditions.
- Chest x-ray to look for fluid or inflammation in the lungs, possible symptoms of lupus.
- Echocardiogram, using ultrasound to produce images of the heart, in order to determine if it is damaged in any way, as it is a major target of lupus.
