<P> In medicine, malar rash (from Latin mala' jaw, cheek - bone'), also called butterfly rash, is a medical sign consisting of a characteristic form of facial rash . It is often seen in lupus erythematosus but is not pathognomonic - it is also seen in other diseases such as pellagra, dermatomyositis, and Bloom syndrome . </P> <P> The malar rash of lupus is red or purplish and mildly scaly . Characteristically, it has the shape of a butterfly and involves the bridge of the nose . Notably, the rash spares the nasolabial folds of the face, which contributes to its characteristic appearance . It is usually macular with sharp edges and not itchy . The rash can be transient or progressive with involvement of other parts of the facial skin . </P>

Can you have a malar rash without lupus