Lupus, aka systemic lupus erythematosus or SLE, is a chronic autoimmune disease. It happens when the immune system attacks healthy cells and tissues by mistake, causing inflammation, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Lupus can damage several parts of the body, including the skin, kidneys, heart, and joints, and it can cause a red rash.
While lupus is best known for its “butterfly” rash that appears across the nose and cheeks, the disease can also cause scaly rashes all over the body, per NIAMS. “The rash can present as circular,” Dr. Cutler says. The symptoms of lupus vary, but can include fatigue, hair loss, swollen glands, swelling in the legs, and painful breathing, according to NIAMS.
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