Question:

What else besides lupus causes a butterfly rash?

Answer:

Redness of the nose and cheeks is sometimes called a ‘butterfly rash’. Lupus (an autoimmune inflammatory condition that can cause several types of rashes as well as arthritis) is one cause. Another common cause is rosacea, a type of acne occurring in people who blush easily. Long-term use of cortisone creams on the central face can also cause this condition, which worsens when the steroid cream is discontinued. Allergy to sunscreen may occur only in areas of sunlight exposure, and could also cause a rash with this distribution. 

For more information:

Go to the Skin Care and Diseases health topic.