What skin disease is often associated with a “butterfly” rash on the face?

Lupus erythematosus is commonly recognized for the distinctive "butterfly" rash that appears across the cheeks and nose. This rash is characteristic of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), an autoimmune illness that can affect multiple systems in the body, including the skin. The appearance of this rash is often a significant clinical indicator of the condition.

In contrast, pemphigus is a group of autoimmune blistering disorders that primarily affect the skin and mucous membranes but do not typically present with a butterfly rash. Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that leads to the rapid buildup of skin cells, forming scales and red patches, but does not cause a butterfly-shaped rash. Shingles, caused by the varicella-zoster virus, produces painful blisters, often in a single dermatome, and is unrelated to the facial rash associated with lupus.