Red, itchy and flaky facial rash

Hi,

After my mis-carriage in August 2008, my facial skin has become overly sensitive and I keep developing this burning, red itchy and flaky rash, on my cheeks, around the eye-brows and on the chin some times(butterfly pattern), they are worse after the bath, in the cold and dry weather condition and mostly it randomly aggravates without no specific reasons, my doctor asked me to check for the Lupus and I am terrified I am really confused though I do not have any other symptomps merely the word Lupus scares me, please help. just let me know what else could it be??

asl  UK

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
I agree with your doctor as systemic lupus erythematosus( SLE) needs to be ruled out from your symptoms. Other possibilities include rosacea and eczema. Rosacea is a cutaneous disorder of the central part of the face , such as forehead, cheeks, nose and chin.
I suggest you to get blood tests for SLE and a biopsy skin done to confirm the diagnosis. Then specific treatment can be started.
I hope it helps. Take care and regards.