Lupus, an autoimmune disorder, rose to prominence after singer Selena Gomez revealed that she has a type of lupus that necessitated a kidney transplant.
However, did you know? Lupus has many variations, and each person is affected differently. Many people with lupus have a mild form, but if not treated properly, it can become severe. Lupus treatment is limited to symptom relief and inflammation reduction because there is no known cure.
WHAT IS LUPUS?
Lupus is an autoimmune disease that causes widespread inflammation. It usually impacts various parts of the body and the condition may vary according to individuals. While there is no known cure for lupus, treatments typically focus on reducing inflammation and easing or managing symptoms.
SYMPTOMS
The symptoms of lupus differs based on the parts of your body that are affected and may vary among individuals. Inflammation caused by lupus may affect various organs and tissues in your body in parts such as:
The most common signs and symptoms are as follows:
- Fatigue.
- Fever.
- Joint discomfort, stiffness, and swelling.
- Sun-induced skin lesions, such as a butterfly-shaped rash on the face that covers the cheeks and bridge of the nose, or rashes on other parts of the body.
- When exposed to cold or during stressful situations, and toes turn white or blue.
- Breathing difficulty.
- Chest ache.
- Eyes that are dry.
TYPES OF LUPUS
- Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is the most common type of lupus. SLE is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks its own tissues, causing widespread inflammation and tissue damage in the impacted organs. It has the potential to cause damage to the joints, skin, brain, lungs, blood vessels and more. There is no cure for SLE, but medical treatments and lifestyle changes can help with the management of the disease.
- Cutaneous lupus
Cutaneous lupus is also referred to as skin lupus. The immune system attacks the skin in cases of skin lupus. People with SLE are more likely to develop skin lupus.
There are three kinds of skin lupus:
- Discoid cutaneous lupus
Those suffering from Discoid cutaneous lupus are likely to develop symptoms around the face, ears, or scalp. Round (disk-shaped) skin lesions are found in the head area and they look thick, scaly, and red. - Subacute cutaneous lupus
Subacute lesions are most commonly found on the neck, upper back, chest, shoulders, and arms. These lesions tend to form on areas of the skin that are exposed to the sun. They rarely itch or scar. Subacute lesions are characterised by a red border around the lesions, which can also be caused by a reaction to certain medications. - Acute cutaneous lupus
This red rash appears on the bridge of the nose or along the cheeks and is also known as a ‘butterfly rash’ or ‘Malar rash’. Acute rash, like Subacute lesions, is typically caused by sun exposure. Malar rash, which looks like sunburn, can appear anywhere on the body, including the legs and arms. Acute cutaneous lupus does not leave many scars, but it can cause skin discoloration.
SLE is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system atta cks its own tissues, causing widespread inflammati on and tissue damage in the impacted organs.
- Neonatal lupus
Neonatal lupus is an autoimmune disorder caused by autoantibodies passed from mother to child during pregnancy. Some experts pointed out that neonatal lupus does not classify as a lupus as the skin rash merely resembles the skin rash associated with lupus. - Drug-induced lupus
Drug-induced lupus is a lupus-like disease caused by the exposure of certain prescription drugs.
The most commonly associated drugs with drug-induced lupus are:
- Isoniazid – Used in the treatment of tuberculosis.
- Hydralazine – Often used in the treatment of high blood pressure or hypertension.
- Procainamide – Used in the treatment of irregular heart rhythms.
Because these drugs are given to men more frequently, they are more likely to develop drug-induced lupus. However, not everyone who takes them will develop the disease.
