What appears to be back acne and acne elsewhere across the body can indeed be a symptom of the autoimmune disorder lupus. However, these raised, red inflammations are actually medically defined as cutaneous lupus erythematosus, a sign of the presence of lupus and a disorder separate from acne itself.
Lupus
The Lupus Foundation of America says lupus "is a chronic inflammatory disease that can affect various parts of the body, especially the skin, joints, blood and kidneys."
Types
Of the four types of lupus, the most common is systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Cutaneous lupus erythematosus, with symptoms dominated by rashes, is mistakenly associated with severe acne. Other types are drug-induced lupus erythematosus and neonatal lupus.
Acne or Rash?
Rather than acne, outbreaks associated with lupus are medically defined as the disorder cutaneous lupus erythematosus. This is also primary symptom of SLE. The outbreak is typically scaly, raised and red but usually not itchy.
Appearance
The most typical lupus rash is known as the butterfly rash, named for the way it settles across the bridge of the nose and drapes across the cheeks below the eyes. A discoid rash is a circular outbreak that may develop on the scalp, neck, face, nose, mouth or vagina.
Triggers
Lupus has environmental triggers, the most common being ultraviolet light, according to Dr. Michelle Petri of the John Hopkins University Arthritis Center. Many people don't get lupus until they've had a bad sunburn.
Tags: lupus erythematosus, associated with, cutaneous lupus, cutaneous lupus erythematosus, medically defined, most common