More Than Skin Deep: Ashara’s Journey with Discoid Lupus

For National Skincare Awareness Month, Ashara Collie is sharing her journey of being diagnosed and living with discoid lupus – a type of lupus that affects the skin and often causes round, disc-shaped rashes. For her, it began with small, itchy patches on her face and ears that became sore, more defined, and left marks that didn’t fade. After seeing a dermatologist and having a biopsy, she received a diagnosis. Discoid lupus can appear on the scalp, face, and other parts of the body, and in some cases can cause scarring, skin discoloration, or permanent hair loss. These physical effects are only part of the story. For Ashara, learning to care for her skin and protect her confidence has been just as important. 

“My skin was changing in ways I couldn’t control, and I felt like everyone’s eyes went straight to my spots.”

The diagnosis brought clarity but also new challenges. Ashara remembers feeling overwhelmed as her skin changed in ways she couldn’t control. She felt people’s eyes go straight to her spots, which made her avoid certain hairstyles and social situations. These visible changes tested her self-esteem and forced her to confront how much appearance influenced how she felt inside. 

“You are still you, still beautiful, still worthy. No matter what lupus does to your skin. Give yourself grace and time to adjust. Find a support system, learn what works for your body, and remember your scars are signs of resilience.”

Over time, Ashara’s perspective shifted. She began to see her skin as part of her story rather than something to hide. Support from others with lupus, consistent treatment, and strict sun protection helped her accept herself. Now, she follows a daily routine of wearing sunscreen no matter the weather, using gentle cleansers and fragrance-free moisturizers, and covering up with hats or scarves for extra protection. Sunlight can trigger flares even through clouds, making these steps essential for both her health and confidence.

“Taking care of my skin has become both medical care and self-care.”

Ashara also works to challenge myths about discoid lupus. She reminds people that it’s not “just a rash” and it’s not contagious. Managing it takes consistent care, and working closely with a dermatologist and rheumatologist is key to preventing long-term damage. She also points out that discoid lupus can have a serious emotional impact, which is why community understanding is so important. By sharing her knowledge, she hopes to reduce the stigma around visible skin symptoms and encourage more people to seek medical advice sooner. 

“It’s not ‘just a rash’ and it’s not contagious. Sun protection is a necessity, not an overreaction.”

Her advice to anyone newly diagnosed with discoid lupus is to give yourself grace, find a support system, and learn what works best for you. She sees her scars as signs of resilience, proof of the strength that it takes to live with a chronic condition. She also stresses the importance of patience, as it can take time to find the right treatment plan and daily habits that make a difference. Staying consistent with protective measures, even when it feels repetitive, can prevent further damage and keep symptoms in check. Most importantly, she wants others to know that self-worth comes from who you are, not how your skin looks.

As we recognize National Skincare Awareness Month, Ashara’s journey is a powerful reminder that caring for your skin is more than a cosmetic choice. It’s an important part of your health, protecting your well-being, and embracing who you are. This observance is also an opportunity to learn more about conditions like discoid lupus and how they affect people both emotionally and physically. By highlighting stories like Ashara’s, we hope to inspire more people to protect their skin and prioritize dermatologic care. Open conversations about skin health can help others catch issues early and seek diagnosis, and feel less alone in their experience. Ashara hopes others with lupus know that they are not alone and that their skin tells a story of survival to be proud of.