Butterfly rash after being in the sun.. please help!

[steph_x0x]

I have quite a few symptoms and no idea where to begin to look. I was tested for Lupus about 5 months ago due to severe joint pain, and severe hypertension. My ANA came back negative. When we first started looking into this, my doctor was focusing on autoimmune diseases however nothing was coming up in my blood work.

My joints in my hands swell up really bad in the morning and at night. I also have significant joint pain and twitching throughout my major joints and muscles. I have lately noticed the classic "butterfly rash" at night time and couldn't make a connection to why until today. I was out in the pool all day at a fathers day bbq when a few hours later, I noticed a prominent butterfly rash over my cheeks and the bridge of my nose. I have no idea what to do next. I have seen a change in my mood, and personality in the last 8 months and was diagnosed with anxiety and bipolar in November of last year. Somehow I think that all of this is connected. Whether it is MS or Lupus, I just want answers.. I'm so tired.

Any suggestions would help! I have included a picture of this rash that I noticed tonight. Do butterfly rashes tend to show themselves after being in the sun?

[TrudieC]

Yes, being in the sun can bring out the malar rash.  It can take time for your bloodwork to develop and show positive.  Keep going back to your rheumatologist for testing and do go out in the sun just beforehand as that can raise your levels so they show up in the tests.  Good luck!