Malar rash
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2008-07-04T17:25:46Z
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In [[medicine]], '''malar rash''', also called '''butterfly rash''', is a [[medical sign]] consisting of a characteristic form of facial rash. It is often seen in [[Lupus erythematosus]]. ''[[Malar]]'' is [[Latin]] for "cheek".
The malar rash of lupus is red or purplish and mildly scaly. Characteristically, it has the shape of a butterfly and involves the bridge of the nose. Notably, the rash spares the naso-labial folds of the face, which contributes to its characteristic appearance.
A malar rash is present in approximately 46-65% of lupus sufferers and varies between different populations.<ref>{{cite journal | author = Houman M, Smiti-Khanfir M, Ben Ghorbell I, Miled M | title = Systemic lupus erythematosus in Tunisia: demographic and clinical analysis of 100 patients | journal = Lupus | volume = 13 | issue = 3 | pages = 204–11 | year = 2004 | pmid = 15119551}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | author = Houman M, Smiti-Khanfir M, Ben Ghorbell I, Miled M | title = Systemic lupus erythematosus in Tunisia: demographic and clinical analysis of 100 patients | journal = Lupus | volume = 13 | issue = 3 | pages = 204–11 | year = 2004 | pmid = 15119551}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | author = Vilá L, Alarcón G, McGwin G, Friedman A, Baethge B, Bastian H, Fessler B, Reveille J | title = Early clinical manifestations, disease activity and damage of systemic lupus erythematosus among two distinct U.S. Hispanic subpopulations | journal = Rheumatology (Oxford) | volume = 43 | issue = 3 | pages = 358–63 | year = 2004 | pmid = 14623949 | doi = 10.1093/rheumatology/keh048}}</ref>
There are numerous other conditions which can cause rashes with a similar appearance. Where lupus is suspected further [[medical test]]s (usually an [[anti-nuclear_antibody|ANA]]) and a detailed history are necessary to differentiate it from other conditions.
==References==
<references/>
==External links==
* http://library.med.utah.edu/WebPath/IMMHTML/IMM009.html
* http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/imagepages/2507.htm
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[[Category: Dermatology]]