Lupus has been a journey that I never imagined embarking on. One of its most visible signs, the butterfly rash that spreads across my face, initially made me feel self-conscious. It’s a characteristic flush that hugs my cheeks and nose, resembling the delicate wings of a butterfly. At first, it was hard for me to look in the mirror—not recognizing my reflection and wondering why my skin was betraying me in such a visible way.
I remember the confusion when the symptoms first appeared. My face started showing a red, irritated rash that looked similar to eczema. There were several misdiagnoses: eczema, rosacea, and even general skin irritation. Each diagnosis brought a new cream, a new hope that maybe this one would be the answer. But nothing seemed to help, and I was left feeling more and more detached from my own body, as if it was trying to tell me something that no one else could quite understand.
Finally, the diagnosis came: Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). The butterfly rash is often one of the telltale signs of lupus, and it became a symbol of what I was dealing with internally—an autoimmune disease that was misunderstood and unpredictable. The rash itself, medically known as a malar rash, is caused by inflammation, often triggered by sun exposure, stress, or even hormonal changes. It can appear as raised, scaly, or just a red flush, and while it doesn’t hurt, it carries with it an emotional weight that is often much harder to bear.
In those early days, I did everything I could to hide it. Makeup became a shield that I used to try to reclaim some semblance of normalcy. I wore wide-brimmed hats, avoided mirrors, and distanced myself from the questions and the stares of others. I felt marked, different, and it was a constant reminder of the battle inside me.
But slowly, I began to see the butterfly differently. The more I learned about lupus and connected with others who were going through similar struggles, the less isolated I felt. My butterfly became a part of my identity—not something to be ashamed of, but something to embrace. It symbolized my resilience, my strength, and my willingness to face each day despite the challenges. I realized that the butterfly isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a symbol of transformation. It shows the world that I am still here, still fighting, and still hoping.
Now, I wear my butterfly with pride. It is part of my story, a visual testament to the battles I’ve fought and continue to fight. At Mahogany Pattern's Purple Life Charity INC., I hope to spread awareness about lupus and other autoimmune diseases. I want to help others understand that even though our symptoms may be visible, our spirit is strong. We are not defined by our rashes or our flare-ups. We are defined by our courage, our compassion, and our community.
If you’re dealing with a butterfly rash, know that you are not alone. It’s okay to feel frustrated, and it’s okay to take time to come to terms with it. But remember, your beauty is not diminished by what’s on your skin. It’s enhanced by the strength you show every day. Let’s embrace our butterflies together, and let them be symbols of our incredible journey.
If you want to learn more about lupus or need support, join our community at Mahogany Pattern's Purple Life Charity INC. We are here to remind you: You Are Not Alone.
