A 30-year-old female asked:
Is a malar or "butterfly" rash always indicative of lupus? what else could it be?
3 doctor answers • 4 doctors weighed in

Dr. Clarence Wimberlyanswered
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.
6.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Clarence Wimberlyanswered
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.
6.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Timothy Rodgersanswered
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.
6.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated Aug 4, 2015
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