A systematic autoimmune disease that occurs when the body’s immune system attacks the own tissues and organs is known as lupus. Many different body systems including the joints, skin, kidneys, blood cells, brain, heart, and lungs get affected by the inflammation caused by lupus. It can be difficult to diagnose because its signs and symptoms often mimic those of other ailments. The most distinctive sign of lupus is a facial rash that resembles the wings of a butterfly unfolding across both cheeks – occurs in many but not all cases of this disease. Some people are born with the tendency of developing lupus, which may be triggered by infections, certain medicines or even sunlight. While there is no cure for this disease, treatments can help control symptoms.
Types of lupus
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE): A systemic condition, SLE is the most familiar type of lupus, meaning it has an impact throughout the body. The symptoms can range from mild to severe. It is more severe than other types of lupus because it can affect any of the body’s organs or organ systems. Inflammation can be caused in the skin, joints, lungs, kidneys, blood, heart or a combination of these. This condition typically goes through cycles. At times of remission, the person will have no symptoms and during a flare-up, the disease is active and symptoms appear.
Discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE): In DLE or cutaneous lupus, symptoms affect only the skin. The face, neck and scalp have raised bumps on them. The raised areas may be thick and scaly, and scarring may occur. It might take a number of days to several years for a scar to last and it may also recur.
Subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus: This type of lupus refers to skin lesions that appear on parts of the body that are exposed to the sun. The lesions do not cause scarring.
Medication-induced lupus: Many medicines have been known to cause this form of the disease, but several are considered primary culprits. They are mainly anti-inflammatory medicines, anticonvulsants or medicines used to treat chronic conditions such as heart disease, thyroid disease, hypertension, and neuropsychiatric disorder. Medicines that are commonly associated with this form of lupus are:
- Hydralazine, a hypertension medication
- Procainamide, a heart arrhythmia medication
- Isoniazid, an antibiotic used for the treatment of tuberculosis
Neonatal lupus: It is a rare form of temporary lupus affecting a fetus or newborn. It’s not true lupus and it occurs when the mother’s antibodies are passed to her child in the utero. The skin, heart, and blood of the baby can be affected by these autoantibodies.
Symptoms of lupus
- Fatigue
- A loss of appetite and weight loss
- Pain or swelling in joints and muscles
- Swollen legs and swelling around the eyes
- Lymph nodes or swollen glands
- Bleeding under the skin, causing skin rash
- Mouth ulcers
- Sensitivity to the sun
- Fever
- Headaches
- Chest pain while deep breathing
- Unusual hair loss
- Arthritis
All in all, keeping an eye on the symptoms of lupus can help you get an early diagnosis. The doctor can then decide on the best line of treatment.
