Butterfly Rash Lupus Butterfly Skin Rash - An Autoimmune Disease By Dee Cohen The lupus skin rash, sometimes called the " butterfly rash " is associated with this serious autoimmune disease. Lupus was named after the wolf for its voracious ability to damage the body severely and quickly. In addition to the rash on face it can cause fatigue, mental illness, heart problems, skin problems, kidney disease, nervous system problems, fevers, hair loss, blood vessel problems, swelling and anemia. Lupus strikes women at a much higher incidence than men. Over eighty five percent of the people in the United States with lupus, the skin rash is one of the few telltale signs of lupus. It is distinctive and easy to recognize whereas other symptoms can be often confused with heart disease, mental illness, and nervous system disorders. The lupus butterfly rash narrows at the bridge of the nose and spreads across the cheeks of the face. It is often red and can also be found on the upper ...