Is Eczema A Symptom Of Lupus

What Do Lupus Skin Problems Feel Like

Sometimes these skin problems feel itchy or painful, and sometimes they dont. The symptoms can come and go, and they can feel different from person to person. If you have pain or other symptoms from lupus, talk with your doctor about treatment options.

Lupus skin problems are not contagious you cant catch them or give them to someone else.

What Are The Potential Complications

Repeated bouts of discoid lupus can leave you with scars or permanent discoloration. Patches on the scalp can cause your hair to fall out. As your scalp heals, scarring can prevent hair from growing back.

The risk of skin cancer may be increased if you have long-lasting lesions on your skin or inside your lips and mouth.

About five percent of people with discoid lupus will develop systemic lupus at some point. Systemic lupus can also affect your internal organs.

Anyone can develop discoid lupus. Its rare in children. Women between the ages of 20 and 40 may have a higher risk.

Factors that may make it worse include stress, infection, and trauma.

Protecting Yourself From The Sun

Exposure to sunlight can sometimes make symptoms such as rashes worse, and it’s important to protect your skin when in the sun.

This means wearing clothing that covers your skin, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses. You will also need to apply sunscreen with a high SPF to prevent sunburn. However, some people with lupus are not sun-sensitive and do not need to take extra precautions.

As people get most of their vitamin D as a result of direct sunlight on the skin, there is a risk you may not get enough of this vitamin if you need to avoid sun exposure. This means you may need to make an extra effort to include good sources of vitamin D in your diet to avoid problems such as osteoporosis , and you may be advised to take vitamin D supplements.

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If Eczema Is Not An Autoimmune Disease What Is It

Atopic dermatitis, or eczema, said Dr. Yu, is the most common inflammatory skin disease, affecting 15-20% of children and 10% of adults. Its considered inflammatory, he said, due to the important role inflammation and the immune system play in its symptoms. But inflammation and immune responses are not, he said, eczemas only causes. Another skin condition in this category is seborrheic dermatitis, which causes stubborn dandruff and scaly, red patches on the scalp.

If all this talk of medical definitions and semantics has you scratching your head, youre not alone. There is still some debate about whether certain elements of eczema do share attributes of an autoimmune disease or not and, certainly, new scientific discoveries could evolve and provide for clarity about this topic in the future.

In the meantime, perhaps the classification of eczema is not as important as how we learn to care for it how we help ourselves and our skin, in our personal environments, and how to be healthy while also accepting that theres no one way to label our individual dermatologic experiences.

What Is Eczema What Does It Look And Feel Like

Eczema is a condition that causes your skin to become dry, red, itchy and bumpy. Its one of many types of dermatitis. Eczema damages the skin barrier function . This loss of barrier function makes your skin more sensitive and more prone to infection and dryness.

Eczema doesnt harm your body. It doesnt mean that your skin is dirty or infected, and its not contagious. There are treatments that can help manage your symptoms.

In the word dermatitis, derm means skin and itis means inflammation. The word as a whole means inflammation of the skin. Eczema originates from the Greek word ekzein which means to boil over or break out.

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Lupus Treatment Thins Skin

Lupus, or systemic lupus erythematosus , is a chronic inflammatory disease which can potentially affect any organ system in the body.

Fever, joint pain, rash, hair loss and mouth ulcers are some of the common symptoms of lupus.

Ones kidneys, lungs, blood and nervous systems can also be affected, which lead to a more severe form of the disease.

Management of SLE depends on the severity of the disease, as well as the organs affected.

Milder forms are treated with anti-inflammatory drugs, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or steroids.

More severe manifestations are often treated with a prolonged course of steroid medication and immuno-suppression medicine to reduce the strength of the bodys immune system. Lifestyle adjustments, such as avoiding sun exposure, is often advised.

Assuming you do have infection behind the ears and between the fingers, it would most likely be a fungal infection.

The affected skin usually form sores and feels itchy. The skin can be red and moist with peeling skin.

Of course, SLE and its treatment of immuno-suppression predisposes one to getting a fungal infection.

However, there are many other predisposing factors too for instance, a job that frequently requires one to get ones hands wet.

On the other hand, it is relatively uncommon that an infection behind the ears is due to a fungal source.

If the infection affects the ear lobes, then it may be cellulitis, a soft tissue infection of the skin.

What Foods Should I Eat Or Avoid To Reduce My Risk Of Eczema

The connection between eczema and food allergies is unclear. If you have food allergies, then one of the reasons why you must avoid that food is that it may cause or worsen dermatitis. Examples of common allergies include peanuts, dairy, eggs, sugar, alcohol and gluten. Pay attention to what you eat. If your eczema flares up after you eat a certain food, then you might have an allergy to it.

If you dont have a food allergy then there are no foods, including chicken, that will cause or worsen your eczema.

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How Can I Prevent Discoid Lupus Symptom Flare

In up to 70% of people who have CLE, their symptoms worsen after exposure to ultraviolet light. If you have lupus, you need to take extra caution around UV rays.

To prevent discoid lupus symptom flare-ups and protect yourself from light exposure:

• Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 daily. Reapply sunscreen every four hours.
• Avoid sunlight when the suns rays are strongest, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
• Limit your time under indoor fluorescent lights.
• Dont use tanning beds at all.
• Wear sun-protective clothing, such as long sleeves and wide-brimmed hats.

What Is It Like Living With Eczema

Many people live with eczema . As many as 15 million Americans may have this skin condition. Living with it can be challenging.

There may be times when your eczema disappears. This is known as a remission period. Other times you may have a flare-up, which is when it gets worse. The goal of treatment is to prevent such flare-ups, preventing your symptoms from getting worse. Be sure to avoid triggers, moisturize, take your medicine and do anything else your healthcare provider recommends.

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Lupus Vs Eczema: How Are They Different

Itchy rashes are a common problem that can occur because of a variety of reasons. Because of this, it can sometimes be difficult to determine what kind of rash youre experiencing and where it came from. A common condition that affects approximately 10-20% of the population is eczema. Lupus is another long-term skin condition that causes a skin rash. In this blog post, well take a closer look at lupus vs eczema.

Please keep in mind that although what we discuss in this post can relieve eczema, we are in no way medical professionals. If youre experiencing severe eczema symptoms like an infection, it is best to seek medical advice immediately.

How Common Is Eczema

Eczema affects up to 15 million Americans. Infants are prone to eczema and 10% to 20% will have it. However, nearly half outgrow the condition or have significant improvement as they get older.

Eczema affects males and females equally and is more common in people who have a personal or family history of asthma, environmental allergies and/or food allergies.

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What Causes Butterfly Rash

“This type of lupus face rash can occur when immune-related cells in a lupus patient’s skin react to damage from UV light exposure by releasing inflammatory chemicals,” Amit Saxena, MD, a rheumatologist at NYU Langone’s Lupus Center, told Health. “When the immune system turns on to ‘clean up’ damage from UV light,” explained Dr. Saxena, “autoimmune inflammation can occur in that area.”

“Why it often takes the shape of a butterfly remains unclear,” added Dr. Saxena, suggesting, “it could be because the cheeks and nose are usually subjected to more direct sunlight exposure than the upper lip.”

Sunlight is not the only source of UV light, however. Some people with lupus are also sensitive to UV rays from artificial light, like indoor lighting in offices, schools, and gyms.

Who Gets Dyshidrotic Eczema

Dyshidrotic eczema is a chronic skin condition that causes small blisters to form on the hands and feet. The blisters often itch and can be very painful.

It typically affects children or young adults, but it can occur at any age. It is not contagious and there’s no cure, but symptoms usually improve in time without treatment.

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How Can I Reduce My Risk Of Eczema

There are steps you can take that may prevent eczema outbreaks:

• Establish a skin care routine, and follow your healthcare professionals recommendations for keeping your skin healthy.
• Wear gloves for jobs where you have to put your hands in water. Wear cotton gloves under plastic gloves to absorb sweat, and wear gloves outside, especially during the winter months.
• Use mild soap for your bath or shower, and pat your skin dry instead of rubbing. Apply a moisturizing cream or ointment immediately after drying your skin to help seal in the moisture. Reapply cream or ointment two to three times a day.
• Take baths or showers with tepid rather than hot.
• Drink at least eight glasses of water each day. Water helps to keep your skin moist.
• Try to avoid getting too hot and sweaty.
• Wear loose clothes made of cotton and other natural materials. Wash new clothing before wearing. Avoid wool.
• Avoid sudden changes in temperature and humidity.
• Learn to recognize stress in your life and how to manage it. Regular aerobic exercise, hobbies and stress-management techniques, such as meditation or yoga, might help.
• Limit your exposure to known irritants and allergens.
• Avoid scratching or rubbing itchy areas of skin.

What Are The Complications Of Discoid Lupus

If a discoid lupus rash occurs on your scalp, it may cause hair loss. If a scar forms on your scalp, the hair loss may be permanent.

Having a discoid rash that lasts a long time may increase your risk for skin cancer. Discoid sores inside your mouth can increase your risk for a type of skin cancer called squamous cell carcinoma.

Rarely, people may develop chilblain lupus erythematosus. Chilblain lupus causes purple skin patches or lesions that worsen after exposure to cold temperatures. These lesions are often very painful.

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Data Extraction And Quality Assessment

We extracted surname of the first author, publication year, country/region, study design, demographic characteristics in the case and control groups, assessment used for AD and autoimmune diseases, risk estimates with 95% CI and corresponding adjustments for confounders. The methodological quality of selected studies was evaluated using the NewcastleOttawa Scale , which comprised three main items including sample selection, comparability and exposure/outcome. Studies could be awarded a maximum of one star for each numbered item within the selection and exposure/outcome categories and a maximum of two stars for comparability category, with a score of 13, 46, and 79 represented as of low, intermediate, and high quality respectively. Two authors independently conducted quality assessments of the included studies. Discrepancies were discussed and resolved by the authors.

Chronic Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus / Discoid Lupus Erythematosus

Chronic cutaneous lupus erythematosus is usually diagnosed when someone exhibits signs of lupus in the skin. People with SLE can also have discoid lesions, and about 5% of all people with DLE will develop SLE later in life. A skin biopsy is used to diagnose this condition, and the lesions have a characteristic pattern known to clinicians: they are thick and scaly, plug the hair follicles, appear usually on surfaces of the skin exposed to sun , tend to scar, and usually do not itch.

If you are diagnosed with discoid lupus, you should try to avoid sun exposure when possible and wear sunscreen with Helioplex and an SPF of 70 or higher. In addition, you doctor may prescribe medications to help prevent and curb inflammation, including steroid ointments, pills, or injections , antimalarial medications such as Plaquenil, and/or immunosuppressive medications.

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Association Between Ad And Crohns Disease

Pooling result of five studies estimated an elevated prevalence of Crohns disease in AD compared to controls, with an average OR of 1.66 . Three cohort studies further detected an increased incidence of Crohns disease in AD, with a pooled RR of 1.38 , indicating that patients with AD had higher risk of developing Crohns disease .

Lupus Can Also Affect Your Hair And Nails

Hair loss, thinning hair, and nail changes are common in people who have different types of lupus.

The most common type of lupus, systemic lupus erythematosus , can cause dry, coarse hair to develop along the hairline. These dry, coarse hairs break off easily, causing the sparse-looking hair known as lupus hair.

Other types of hair loss also develop. People lose hair on their scalp, legs, eyebrows, eyelashes, or elsewhere. The hair loss may be patchy or widespread. With proper treatment for lupus, this lost hair often grows back.

If you have discoid lupus, hair loss can be permanent. Discoid lupus causes raised, scaly patches. As these patches clear, scars can form. When scars develop on the scalp, hair cannot grow where there are scars. Prompt treatment of discoid lupus on the scalp can prevent scarring.

When lupus affects the nails, it can cause:

• Nails to crack or fall off

• Discolored nails

• Swelling around the nails

If you have discoid lupus and a darker skin tone, you may develop dark, blue-black nails.

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What Is The Outlook For People With Cutaneous Lupus

With the right treatments, lifestyle changes and regular monitoring, providers help many people manage cutaneous lupus. Early diagnosis and treatment can improve the prognosis by preventing scarring, hair loss and other long-term skin problems.

For the best possible outlook, you should avoid exposure to the sun, schedule frequent checkups and follow your healthcare providers directions carefully. Sticking to a treatment plan and making smart choices can lower your risk of lupus skin flare up.

What Is Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus

Systemic lupus is a type of autoimmune disease where your immune system attacks your body, including your internal organs. In cutaneous lupus, your immune system attacks your skin. About 10% of all lupus cases are cutaneous and 65% of people with systemic lupus will develop skin lupus.

Women are much more likely to have lupus. Around 90% of people with lupus are women between ages 15 to 44. However, people of all genders and ages can get it. Lupus in children usually develops around age 12. Your risk of developing lupus is higher if you have a relative with lupus or another autoimmune disorder.

Women of color are about two to three times more likely to have lupus. Its much more common among women who are Black, Hispanic or of Asian descent.

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Lupus And Digestive Problems

Digestive problems are not common with lupus, but some people may experience belly pain, nausea, vomiting, difficulty swallowing, or inflammation of the liver or pancreas. This can be related to lupus itself or medications used to treat the disease. Some people tend to lose weight during lupus flare-ups.

Protect Your Skin From Cold Temperatures

If you have Raynauds disease, protecting your skin from the cold can help. Try wearing warm gloves and thick socks when youre outdoors in cold weather. If youre going from the heat to an air-conditioned building, be sure to carry extra clothing to help prevent flares.

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Association Between Ad And Celiac Disease

Prevalence of celiac disease in AD and controls was reported in four studies . Meta-analysis showed a higher prevalence of celiac disease in AD compared to controls. The synthesized OR was 1.98 with high heterogeneity . Only one cohort reported an increased incidence of celiac disease in AD, with a RR of 1.41 .

Can You Have More Than One Kind Of Lupus

Some people only have SLE, CLE or another type of lupus. Others have multiple types of lupus.

Most people who have discoid lupus do not have another type of lupus. Only about 5% of people with discoid lupus also develop SLE. About one in four people with SLE develop lesions that look like discoid lesions.

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Lupus Can Range From Mild To Severe