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Lupus
Lupus (SLE or Systemic Lupus Erythematosus)
Lupus, also known as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), is a chronic autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues. Lupus can affect many parts of the body, including the skin, joints, kidneys, blood cells, heart, lungs, and nervous system. Symptoms can vary significantly from person to person and may come and go over time.
Lupus is often associated with symptoms such as fatigue, joint pain or swelling, skin rashes, fever, and increased sensitivity to sunlight. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can help control inflammation, reduce symptoms, and prevent or limit organ damage.
What Is Lupus?
Lupus is an autoimmune condition. Normally, the immune system protects the body from infections and other harmful substances. In lupus, the immune system becomes overactive and produces an inflammatory response against the body's own cells and tissues.
There are several types of lupus. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is the most common form and can affect multiple organs. Other forms primarily affect the skin and are known as cutaneous lupus.
What Is Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)?
Systemic lupus erythematosus, or SLE, is a form of lupus that can affect multiple organs and body systems. The severity of SLE ranges from mild disease affecting mainly the skin and joints to more serious disease involving the kidneys, heart, lungs, nervous system, or blood.
Common symptoms of SLE include:
- Fatigue
- Joint pain, stiffness, or swelling
- Skin rashes
- Sensitivity to sunlight
- Fever
- Hair loss
- Mouth or nose ulcers
- Swelling in the legs or around the eyes
- Chest pain with breathing
- Headaches or neurological symptoms
Symptoms may occur during periods called flares, followed by periods when the disease is less active or in remission.
Skin Lupus (Cutaneous Lupus)
Cutaneous lupus, also called skin lupus, is a group of lupus conditions that primarily affect the skin. Skin lupus may occur on its own or alongside systemic lupus erythematosus.
Cutaneous lupus can cause different types of rashes and skin lesions. Some forms may heal without permanent changes, while others can cause scarring, changes in skin color, or permanent hair loss.
The main forms of cutaneous lupus include acute cutaneous lupus, subacute cutaneous lupus, and chronic cutaneous lupus, which includes discoid lupus.
