Ask a doctor on the topic of General medicine

Demand for Lupus

January 10, 2020 | 20,00 EUR | answered by Dr. med. Frauke Gehring

Okay, thanks again. I hope this will be my last expense. Your response was very helpful and that's pretty much what I would have done too.

However, it is still fluctuating - this morning there was more redness on my arms, then it calmed down again. My well-being is still good, but I can't say for sure that it is continuously improving. One thing that makes me think of lupus is that many of these spots have caught my attention before, but now they are more red. Also, there was a slightly dry spot on my nose that has now reappeared. Do you think lupus is likely?

Additionally, something I noticed with my silly self-observation (shining a flashlight up my nose). I don't know if this is normal, but the nasal septum looks pretty red on one side, not so much on the other (but also a bit). It looks very well-vascularized or irritated, but if it were irritated, I would feel something, but it feels fine.

Maybe you can reassure me again regarding necrolysis (it's already day 6), I now think every little thing could be related to it.

Dr. med. Frauke Gehring

Hello again,

the problem is that if the triggering allergen (detergent, shower gel, skincare etc.) continues to affect the skin, the rash will not convincingly fade! The best test would be to take an antihistamine like Cetirizine and then see if the itching subsides. That would indicate an allergy.

However, from a distance, I cannot guarantee 100% that this rash is not caused by lupus! Even if it is really atypical for it.

A red or dry spot in the nose is not necrolysis, that would be a painful, dramatic event! Also, it does not fit the timeline!! You really need more psychotherapeutic help here...

Warm regards, Dr. Gehring