LUPUS.

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LUPUS 

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Lupus rash

Lupus is an autoimmune disease in which immune system of the body mistakenly triggers inflammation in different healthy tissues of the body. Autoimmune disease is the conditions occurs from abnormal body’s immune system response to a normal body tissues. This articles will cover mostly systemic lupus erythematosus.

TYPES OF LUPUS.

  • Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease in which the body's immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue in many parts of the body. It can affect the skin, lungs joints, brain, kidneys, and blood vessels, and can cause serious medical complications such as inflammation and tissue damage in the affected organs which affects different parts of the body including internal organs. SLE is the most common and most serious type of lupus.
  • Acute cutaneous lupus (skin lupus) is the type of lupus that affects the skin in the form of a rash or lesions. Sunlight exposure is risk factor for this type of lupus.
  • Neonatal lupus occurs when an infant passively acquires auto-antibodies from a mother with systemic lupus erythematosus. Symptoms of the skin, liver, and blood problems resolve by 6 months, but congenital heart block is the most serious sign that requires a pacemaker.
  • Drug induced lupus result from overreaction to the certain medications but the symptoms are the same with those of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), symptoms usually occur 3 to 6 months after starting a medication, and disappear once the medicine is stopped.
There is no treatment for lupus especially systemic lupus erythematosus, but medical interventions and lifestyle changes can help improve signs and symptoms.

CAUSES OF SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS.

SLE can affect individuals of all ages. However, Women are affected far more than men. Race: Minority and ethnic groups, blacks/African Americans, Hispanics/Latinos, Asians, and American Indians/Alaska Natives are affected more than whites.The causes of systemic erythematosus lupus are unknown but are believed to be linked to genetic predispositions, environmental factors, and hormonal factors.
  • Genetic predispositions
Systemic lupus erythematosus is believed to be caused by genetic susceptibility with environmental triggers, SLE do not run in the family but no single causal gene has been identified.
  • Environmental factors
Environmental factors include extreme stress, exposure to ultraviolet light, smoking, some medications and antibiotics, infections and the Epstein-Barr virus (in children) can trigger systemic lupus erythematosus.
  • Hormonal factors
Hormonal imbalance can also initiate the systemic lupus erythematosus.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS.

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joint swelling on the foot and butterfly rash on the face

Symptoms of systemic lupus erythematosus may be periodically that is flares (come and go), SLE symptoms mimic other illness. Individuals with SLE may experience a variety of symptoms that include:
  • Fever  with no known cause
  • Muscle pain
  • Fatigue
  • Red skin rashes, most often on the face (also called the "butterfly rash")
  • Chest pain when taking a deep breath and Shortness of breath
  • Joint pain, stiffness and swelling
  • Hair loss
  • Headaches, confusion and memory loss
  • Pale or purple fingers or toes (Raynaud's phenomenon)
  • Sensitivity to the sun
  • Swelling in legs or around eyes
  • Mouth / oral ulcers
  • Swollen glands
  • Skin lesions that appear or worsen with sun exposure (photosensitivity)
  • Dry eyes
Other symptoms can include sun sensitivity, arthritis, lung problems, heart problems, kidney problems, seizures, psychosis (severe mental disorder), and blood cell and immunological abnormalities.

TREATMENT FOR SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS.

There is no treatment for systemic lupus erythematosus but medical interventions and lifestyle changes can help improve signs and symptoms. A team approach in treating SLE is often needed because of the number of organs and systems that can be involved. SLE treatment consists primarily of immunosuppressive drugs that inhibit activity of the immune system. Hydroxychloroquine and corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone) are often used to treat SLE. Treatments may include drugs to reduce swelling and pain using analgesic / painkillers especially Non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, prevent or reduce flares, help the immune system using immunosuppressive medications and Intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIGs), reduce or prevent damage to joints using disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs, balance the hormones

The aim of the treatment plan are to:
  • Prevent flares
  • Treatment of symptoms when they occur
  • Reduce organ damage and other medical complications.

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