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A 30-year-old female asked:

Is a malar or "butterfly" rash always indicative of lupus? what else could it be?

3 doctor answers4 doctors weighed in
Dr. Clarence Wimberly
Specializes in Family Medicine
Butterfly rash: A butterfly rash is not always from lupus. An irration rash can cause this as well as seborrhea.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Dr. Clarence Wimberly
Specializes in Family Medicine
Butterfly rash: I would like to add that rosecea is a common type of rash that can also appear to be like the type of rash you refer to.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Dr. Timothy Rodgers
Dermatology 21 years experience
Not always lupus: A malar or "butterfly" rash is one of the signs of possible lupus, but other rashes can appear similar, including eczema, rosacea, seborrheic dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis, and others. A complete history, physical exam, and possible skin biopsy and/or blood test can usually distinguish between these rashes.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Last updated Aug 4, 2015

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