facial redness?

Posted by sue on August 10, 1999 at 10:21:42
I have a question about Lupus butterfly rash.  I don't have a rash on my face but more of a redness.  The right side of my entire cheek, my nose and half of my left cheek are red.  People keep asking me if I have high blood pressure etc...  There are also like spiderlike veins beneath the redness.  I do have a chronic liver disease.  They believe now that it is non alcholic hepatitis.  I do have a positive ANA which has been 1:320 and 1:640 and also did have positive ASMA which is now negative.  They don't feel that have Autoimmune hepatitis either based on my liver biopsy.  Just curious on what your opinion would be and if it could be autoimmune related or just getting old!  I'm 41 by the way and female.
Sue

Posted by Derm M.D. ASR on August 10, 1999 at 22:16:07
Sue:
The "butterfly rash" of lupus is usally part of a relatively acute flare of systemic lupus, and therefore associated with arthritis, fever, etc.  I don't know enough about how long you've had your problem and what other symptoms and signs you're having to know whether the ANA test is meaningful or not (it often is not.)
I'd advise you to consult a rheumatologist with experience in lupus.  As for the redness and blood vessles, you may also want to see a dermatologist to see whether you have rosacea and may be a candidate for either antibiotic therapy or laser treatment of the blood vessels.
Good luck.
Dr. R
keywords: lupus, butterfly, rosacea, Rockoff
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