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Systemic Lupus Erythematosis is an autoimmune disease and is the most common form of Lupus. One of the most recognizable symptoms of this disease is the malar rash. The malar rash is also sometimes known as the butterfly rash.

The malar rash typically appears across the cheeks and nose of a Lupus patient. This discoloration is responsible for the name of the disease as Lupus Erythematosis roughly translates into “red wolf”. The color is red or purple and early doctors believed it made the face appear wolfish. It can also have a somewhat scaly or rough appearance. There is some variation in the color and size of the rash. In some cases, the malar rash will spread, while in others it only makes temporary appearances.

While it is one of the best-known symptoms of Lupus, it is not always present nor should it cause an automatic Lupus diagnosis. The rash appears in about half of all Lupus patients. There are also several similar rashes that can be mistaken for the discoloration. Although this rash is not a conclusive symptom, it often aids doctors in their diagnosis, since it may lead them to perform tests like the antinuclear antibody test.

This symptoms is an important indicator when diagnosing many Lupus patients. It can be very noticeable in some patients while others have a more subtle appearance. One should never assume that a facial rash is the Lupus rash. It is important to see a doctor, so that an accurate diagnosis can be made.

Lupus Foundation of America Funded Research First to Use Pooled Data from Previous Treatment Trials

Initial findings from a research study funded by the Lupus Foundation of America (LFA) the first-ever to use pooled data from five industry-sponsored treatment trials, was presented during the annual scientific meeting of the American College of Rheumatology held in Chicago, November 7-10, 2011. The study examines the effect of background medications taken by individuals enrolled in these clinical trials. This study is the first in a series of studies, and part of an overall initiative spearheaded by the LFA, that involves stakeholders from industry and key lupus opinion leaders to seek insights and trends from previous trials in an effort to improve the design of future lupus clinical trials. Due to the complexity of lupus, there is an urgent need for an arsenal of safe, effective, and tolerable treatments for lupus.

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