Lupus is an autoimmune condition wherein the immune system harms the healthy tissue and cells in the body. Individuals with lupus display varied symptoms based on the particulars of each case. These symptoms may be mild in some cases while severe in others. Gambling symptoms is characterized by a pattern of playing casino such online roulette addictive behavior’s, Some common and painful lupus symptoms include swollen and painful joints along with fatigue and unexplained fever.
A red skin rash called malar or butterfly rash is often one of the commonly observed lupus symptoms and it can be seen to appear across a patient’s cheeks and the nose. The rash may also be seen on the upper arms, face and the ears, chest, hands and the shoulders as well. People suffering from lupus are quite sensitive to sunlight and skin rashes tend to get worse on exposure to sunlight. So people with lupus often have to wear sun screen agents and avoid exposure to ultraviolet light.
Some other lupus symptoms include chest pain particularly on deep breathing, loss of hair, unexplained fever, photosensitivity, swollen legs and eyes, mouth and nose ulcers, fatigue and swollen glands. The symptoms of this condition may appear for some time and then disappear. Other symptoms include paleness or purple color in toes and fingers because of stress and cold.
Some people suffering from lupus may experience certain lupus symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, confusion, seizures and depression. Many people experience new and different symptoms and these symptoms may appear after the initial diagnosis and in some cases different symptoms may be observed at different points of time. In some cases only one part or system of body may be affected and this may include the joints or the skin. In some other cases individuals may experience varied symptoms in different parts.
The extent to which a person may be affected with lupus symptoms varies from case to case. Some patients may experience severe symptoms such as kidney inflammation and this can be determined from a swelling in the ankles. Some people may develop inflammation in the chest cavity lining. This can cause chest pain particularly when the patient tries to breathe. In some patients the condition can even affect the central nervous system and this can cause dizziness, headaches, vision problems, stroke, seizures and other changes in the behavior.
Vasculitis or inflammation of blood vessels may also be observed in some cases and some people may experience inflammation of the heart. Women suffering from lupus and who are pregnant are at a great risk of suffering from premature birth or experiencing a miscarriage. Those patients who have a history of possible kidney disease are at a greater risk of preeclampsia.
Some other lupus symptoms may include dry eyes, depression, anxiety, memory loss and easy bruising. Skin rashes, fatigue, aching joints, slight fever and anemia are most commonly seen in lupus patients. Following the treatment plan is important to ensure that the problems associated with lupus are managed properly. A healthy diet plan and moderate exercise along with minimizing of stress can help in reducing the symptoms and problems of this condition.
What Is Lupus
Individuals researching or collecting information on what is lupus can find a plethora of websites giving detailed information about this condition. Lupus is basically a disease that afflicts the immune system. In this condition the immune system attacks the wrong objects thinking these to be foreign and harmful. In this condition excess proteins are created by a person’s immune system and these antibodies attach to the structures in a person’s body. This causes pain, inflammation and damage.
Information on what is lupus will also indicate that researchers, scientists and medical health professionals have not been exactly able to determine the causes for this condition. However it is believed that there are multitude factors that result in this condition. These may include genetic factors, environmental factors and hormonal problems as well. Some other aspects that may contribute include stress, certain kinds of medications, diet, some bacteria and viruses and exposure to light particularly ultra violet light.
Literature on what is lupus also indicates that this condition afflicts certain kinds of people. Around 90% of individuals suffering from lupus are women. Likewise people belonging to certain communities are more likely to suffer from this condition. So Latinos and African Americans are more likely to experience this condition as compared to Caucasians.
What is lupus can be better understood from the different types of lupus seen among people and the symptoms associated with these different types. Systemic lupus is the type wherein different systems or organs within the body may be involved and affected. In Discoid lupus a scaly and red rash may be seen on the areas that are exposed to the sun including the arms, face, scalp and legs and the trunk. Finally in drug induced lupus reactions to some medications may result in the development of this illness.
People suffering from lupus may experience the associated symptoms to varying degrees. In some patients the symptoms may be quite severe while in other individuals there may be flare ups. What is lupus can be understood better if the associated problems and symptoms are understood. People suffering from lupus experience weakness, fatigue and lethargy along with joint and muscle pain and swelling. Such a person may also experience fever and skin rashes.
Lupus also results in joint and muscle pain. People suffering from lupus also experience mouth and nose ulcers. In some cases the sac that surrounds the heart may experience inflammation and in some cases kidney problems may also occur. Diagnosis of lupus cannot be done easily and has to be conducted based on physical evaluation of the symptoms along with some laboratory tests.
What Causes Lupus
Lupus is a form of autoimmune disease in which the immune system turns against the body parts that it is required to protect. Lupus has no definitive cure and the line of treatment in this condition is basically designed to manage this illness and its associated problems effectively. However this line of treatment may also be designed after determining what causes lupus.
It is important to understand that in lupus the immune system of the body produces antibodies and these antibodies work against the healthy cells along with the tissues in the body. Such antibodies include antinuclear antibodies and these results in tissue damage and inflammation.
There are no definitive factors that can determine what causes lupus. In some cases this condition seems to be running within the families and this is an indication that this condition might be hereditary. However genes are not the sole factors that cause this problem. Symptoms of lupus may be triggered by some aspects like stress, sunlight, some medicines and environment.
More women seem to be suffering from lupus as compared to the men. Among women this condition is observed in the age group of 15 to 44. One of the contributing factors to what causes lupus may be the hormones in women. However this might not be the definitive aspect as older people and men also get lupus. Lupus is also more commonly observed among women of African American origin as well as women belonging to Asian, American Indian and Hispanic or Latin communities.
In Hispanics and Latinos or African Americans this lupus is seen to be developing at a young age. These individuals also tend to experience severe forms of lupus as compared to white people. It is not really understood what causes lupus in these individuals and why their condition is severe as compared to others.
While genes may be one of the possible causes for the development of this condition research indicates that different genes might be responsible for determining the likelihood of an individual developing this illness.
While diagnosing a patient along with the tests the doctor will also take the family history of the individual. A person with a family history of lupus is susceptible to developing this condition. While there is no complete clarity regarding what causes lupus some other contributing factors may include smoking or exposure to it, exposure of a person to ultraviolet light, stress and exposure to some toxins like silica dust and trichloroethylene present in well water.
Some bacteria and viruses may also eventually result in development of lupus but this has not been completely proven. Among children Epstein Barr virus may lead to development of childhood lupus. In some cases medications can trigger lupus but once these medicines are stopped the symptoms decline.
Finally it can be said that most medical professionals believe that no single factor is entirely responsible for what causes lupus. In fact a combination of factors results in development of this condition. So a person with family history exposed to some environmental factors or some medications may have greater possibility of experiencing this condition.
Types Of Lupus
Lupus is a disease that afflicts the immune system. It can take different forms and can affect different parts of the body. In lupus often the immune system attacks healthy tissues and cells. So this can cause harm to the skin, lungs, heart, joints, brain and the kidney. There are different types of lupus that can affect different individuals in different ways.
One of the types of lupus includes systemic lupus erythematosus. This can affect different parts in the body including the skin, organs, blood vessels and joints. In systemic lupus erythematosus the patients may experience extreme fatigue, painful and swollen joints, fever and rashes as well. In this condition the symptoms may be experienced intermittently and may be mild in degree and severe in some other cases.
Systemic lupus erythematosus can be diagnosed with the anti nuclear antibody blood test. This test is accompanied with a physical examination of the symptoms of the patient along with other laboratory tests. Other types of lupus include drug induced lupus, discoid lupus and neonatal lupus. In drug induced lupus symptoms of lupus are observed but these are brought on because of intake of certain kinds of drugs over a period of time.
The problems and symptoms associated with drug induced lupus can be reversed by discontinuing the drugs that cause the symptoms. The drugs primarily responsible for development of symptoms include procainamide, quinidine and hydralazine. Drug induced lupus is observed in individuals who are treated for conditions such as hypertension, thyroid disease, heart problems and other neuropsychiatric conditions.
Among the different types of lupus discoid lupus is different from the systemic kind based on the severity of the rashes. In this condition inflammatory sores are seen on the ears, face, scalp along with the other body areas in the patient. Such lesions can result in a scar. In some cases lesions and resulting scarring is observed to occur on the scalp and this can make growth of hair seem impossible.
Neonatal lupus is also one of the types of lupus and this condition is a temporary condition that affects the newborn child or the fetus. This condition can be observed in cases where the autoantibodies of the mother are passed to the child. Such autoantibodies can adversely affect the heart, skin and the baby’s blood as well. Neonatal lupus can be seen to appear after birth and may last for a period of several months.
Lupus Treatment
Lupus is basically an autoimmune disease. In this condition a person’s immune system basically turns against specific parts of the individual’s body that it is required to protect. While there is no complete cure for this condition lupus treatment can help a person to manage this illness.
Lupus treatments are designed based on specifics of each case and the treatment options can be changed as per the circumstances. The treatment plan will be designed based on such aspects as the age and sex of the patient along with the symptoms and the lifestyle of the person. Such a plan is designed so as to prevent any flare up of the disease and also to minimize all possible damage to organs and any complications.
Those individuals who experience chest or joint pain along with fever such drugs are used that help to decrease any inflammation. These drugs are called NSAIDs and include such medicines as ibuprofen along with naproxen. Some side effects associated with the use of NSAIDs include stomach upset, fluid retention, diarrhea and heartburn.
Anti malarial drugs are also used as part of lupus treatment. These are the drugs that were originally employed in treatment against malaria and are now used for lupus treatment as they are effective. Hydroxychloroquine is used to treat lupus. These drugs are used to treat joint pain, fatigue, lung inflammation and skin rashes that are causes because of lupus. Side effects of these anti malarial may include stomach upset and damage to retina.
Corticosteroids are also an important aspect of different options in lupus treatment. Corticosteroids such as hydrocortisone and prednisone among others suppress inflammation and can be taken orally or by way of injection and also in the form of creams. Some effects of corticosteroids include increased appetite, weight gain and swelling.
Among some patients lupus affects the central nervous system or the kidneys. In those cases immunosuppressive drugs may be prescribed. Immunosuppressive drugs used the treatment include mycophenolate mofetil and cyclophosphamide and these work by restraining the immune system which is overactive by blocking production of the immune cells. The side effects associated with these drugs include hair loss, vomiting, nausea, bladder problems, risk of cancer and decreased fertility.
For some patients lupus treatment may also include prescription of DMARDs such as methotrexate which is an anti rheumatic drug and helps to control this disease. Lifestyle changes are also an important part of any lupus treatment program. To keep this disease under control the patient should indulge in moderate and regular exercise. Such exercise can help the patient to prevent any possible muscle weakness along with fatigue.
Patients experiencing lupus should also be immunized against particular infections and get adequate rest. Reducing stress and eating a well balance diet are other crucial aspects of lupus treatment. It is also important that the patients get adequate rest and quit smoking. Sun exposure can result in flaring of the condition along with rashes and so sun exposure should be strictly avoided in this condition.
Relaxation techniques like yoga, meditation along with guided imagery can also be employed as part of lupus treatment so as to calm the body and the mind. Some experimental treatments for this condition include stem cell transplantation and immunoablation. In immunoablation powerful drugs are used to wipe away the damaged part of the immune system. After this the bone marrow may be replaced on its own or with the aid of stem cell transplantation.
Biologic treatment is also a new treatment that is being investigated. In this treatment certain substances are used that block some parts of the immune system without suppressing the complete immune system. Androgenic supplements like DHEA also known as prasterone may be used as it helps in reducing the dependence on corticosteroids and also improving the bone density.
In severe cases of lupus, plasmapheresis may be used. In this line of treatment some part of blood may be removed. In case of destruction of the blood platelets intravenous immune globulin might be employed as part of the lupus treatment plan.
Lupus Pictures
Lupus disease is a problematic condition in which the immune system attacks the tissue and cells in the body instead of attacking any germs. This causes swelling, inflammation and other problems can also be observed in this disease. Lupus also causes skin problems and lupus pictures can be one of the ways in which this disease and its symptoms can be identified.
Lupus rash is commonly experienced in this disease and lupus pictures can help in identifying the symptoms and the form of lupus. This rash can be mild in some cases and severe in other cases. Systemic lupus and discoid lupus are the two types that affect the skin. Such a rash may be seen in areas of the arms, scalp, face, back and chest as well.
Lupus pictures of rash indicate that systemic lupus is characterized with the appearance of a butterfly shaped rash. Such a rash can be seen to be distributed across the cheeks and the nose as well. Such a rash may appear on the scalp, neck and some other areas as well. The rash in lupus often can become aggravated because of ultraviolet rays.
Lupus pictures also help in increasing awareness about this condition. In discoid lupus the butterfly rash may include raised and sharply demarcated plaques that include central atrophy and follicular plugging. In the initial stages the rash may appear as nonscaling, prominent and intermittent erythema that is limited to the area of lower half of the nose and may include the chin, the cheeks and the central forehead.
Lupus pictures also show that the rash may appear to be greasy, scaling and with papules that are varied in size on the bridge of the person’s nose or on the cheeks. Other associated signs that can be identified from the pictures include fissures and crusts, redness, pruritus, severe acne along with oily skin.
While the pictures can help identify the condition, the person suffering from lupus may also experience joint pain, deformities and stiffness, facial edema, fatigue, nausea, weight loss, anorexia, vomiting and fever along with malaise.
Lupus Diagnosis
Lupus diagnosis can be difficult because the symptoms associated with this condition can vary in different cases. The symptoms may also change over a period of time or overlap with other disorders. So a diagnosis for this condition is not given till the symptoms are seen to be obvious. Many people having lupus seem to go through fluctuations in the disease.
Lupus diagnosis can be done based on a clinical and also laboratory test criteria. Such criteria have been developed by the Rheumatology College in United States. These criteria allow the physicians to effectively diagnose and also determine lupus. If a person fulfils four among the list of 11 specifications then such a person may be deemed to be suffering from lupus.
The doctor may make a lupus diagnosis even if less than four specifications are fulfilled. Lupus may involve a face rash that has a butterfly like shape. Such a rash covers the Nose Bridge and spreads on the cheeks. This rash is called malar rash by doctors. The rash may also be scaly and is seen to be raised and consisting of scaly patches. Such a rash is called discoid rash. Exposure to sun may also result in a rash.
Lupus diagnosis also involves checking the patient for mouth sores that are often painless. Swelling in two and more joint areas along with joint pain can also be observed. Swelling may be observed in the area of lining around the person’s lungs or even in the heart region. Kidney disease may be observed. Patients may also experience neurological disorders that may include psychosis or seizures. The patient may have a low blood count including less platelet count, red blood count may be low and even the white cells count may be low.
A positive (affirmative) anti nuclear test for the presence of antibodies is used to make a lupus diagnosis. Such a positive test may indicate that the person has an autoimmune disease. Some other blood tests may be used to determine the presence of autoimmune disease. Lupus can be diagnosed with the positive double stranded anti DNA test or positive anti phospholipid antibody test, positive anti Sm test and false positive syphilis test. Anti nuclear antibody test is often used for lupus diagnosis and people who have this condition test positive for this test.
Lupus diagnosis can also be made with the help of a blood count and this includes test to determine the red blood cell levels along with white blood cells measurement and hemoglobin and platelets. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate may be used to determine if a person has lupus. This test finds out the rate with which the red blood cells float towards the bottom in a tube over a period of one hour. A higher rate is an indication of some infection.
Blood tests to find whether the liver and kidneys are functioning well may also be needed to be conducted. If the kidneys are affected by lupus then high protein levels within the urine may be seen. This can be determined with the help of urinalysis. Chest X-ray may be helpful in pin pointing any fluid seen in the lungs along with any inflammation. An ECG can also identify irregular rhythms in the heart.
Lupus Cure
Lupus is a disorder that affects the immune system of a person. It is one of the problematic autoimmune diseases and in this illness the immune system basically turns against the body parts that it is required to protect. This causes damage to the different body tissues along with inflammation. This condition can affect different parts such as kidneys, lungs, heart, skin, joints, brain and blood vessels. Currently there is no definitive lupus cure.
The symptoms associated with this illness may be different in different cases. However some common symptoms that may be experienced include swollen and painful joints, skin rashes, kidney problems, unexplained fever and extreme fatigue. At the moment there is no complete lupus cure however with some treatment this disease can be managed and individuals suffering from this condition can lead healthy lives.
In this condition patients often experience some periods where the illness flares up and this is followed by periods when the patients may feel relatively better and the condition is under control. While there is no lupus cure patients need to understand ways in which the flares can be prevented and how they need to be treated. Understanding this can allow patients to maintain their health in a better manner.
In the absence of lupus cure patients have to largely depend on getting benefit of proper treatment for the condition of lupus. Treatment for this illness is largely based on the signs and the symptoms of the case. Non steroidal anti inflammatory medicines are often used to treat symptoms of this illness. Likewise antimalarial drugs have been found to be useful for treating lupus.
Corticosteroids help in reducing inflammation related with lupus but these drugs can have long term effects that include thinning of bones, weight gain and easy bruising along with increased blood pressure and greater possibility of developing an infection. In the absence of complete lupus cure it is important for patients to make changes in their lifestyle so as to minimize problems associated with this illness.
Lupus patients should wear sun block creams so as to avoid skin rashes. These rashes can be treated with topical corticosteroids in some cases. It is advisable for lupus patients to eat a balanced diet and live a stress free life as stress can aggravate the problems associated with lupus.
In some serious cases of lupus corticosteroids in high doses along with immunosuppressive drugs may be taken. Since currently there is no permanent lupus cure some other new treatments have been implemented as clinical trials. These include stem cell transplant which is used to rebuild the immune system. Some trials have also indicated that the use of hormone DHEA can help in improving the quality of life among people with lupus.
Systemic Lupus
Systemic lupus also called lupus is a chronic condition or illness and is an inflammatory disease that tends to affects more women than men. This is one of the auto immune diseases in which cells, tissues and organs of the body are attacked by the immune system and this causes damage to the body and affects its functioning.
With systemic lupus the patient may experience periods wherein the disease activity and its associated problems are minimum while in other cases some patients may experience severe problems such as inflammation. In this chronic illness the inflammation can affect the heart, joints, blood vessels, skin, liver, nervous system and the kidneys.
The symptoms of systemic lupus differ for different cases. Where the inflammation in a patient is mostly on the skin it is called discoid or cutaneous lupus. Such inflammation can be easily identified by the rashes on the neck, face and the scalp. Only in extreme rare cases discoid lupus can result in systemic lupus erythematosus.
There are some factors that can contribute towards development of systemic lupus erythematosus. Genes are regarded to be one of reasons for the development of this illness. Inherited genes and viruses can result in development of this chronic problem. This is particularly true if a patient’s first degree relative also suffers from this illness. Environmental aspects such as pollution and exposure to light, ultraviolet light in particular can also result in this condition. Estrogen can also be one of the contributory factors to the development of this chronic illness. Women are more likely to suffer from this condition as compared to men. In lupus many people develop skin rashes, joint pain along with muscle pain and fatigue.
Some people suffering from lupus also experience arthritis problems which include inflammation and pain in the joints. Fatigue is one of the most debilitating problems associated with this chronic condition. Skin rashes may vary in severity in the different cases. Mouth ulcers may also be experienced in some cases of systemic lupus .
People with lupus are particularly sensitive towards sunlight and prolonged exposure can worsen the rashes. People may also experience hair loss and kidney problems too. Diagnosis of systemic lupus is done with help of some tests along with evaluation of the symptoms. An Anti nuclear antibody test or ANA as it is called is used for the diagnosis along with other blood tests, skin or kidney biopsy and also X rays.
Treatment for lupus include taking anti inflammatory tablets to minimize the inflammation and associated joint pain. Anti malarial drugs such as hydroxychloroquine are also used. Immunosuppressive drugs may also be used. Besides following a treatment plan peoples suffering from lupus have to take care of their diet also.
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Systemic lupus erythematosus is basically a disease that affects the immune system. In this disease the immune system of an individual attacks the different cells and organs in the body and this causes a great deal of damage. This disease can affect a number of different organs and tissues in the body. Many patients may suffer from a milder version of lupus while some others may suffer from some complications.
With systemic lupus erythematosus the condition has periods where the activity and symptoms associated with the disease are at a minimum level while in other cases there may be flare ups. Genes play a role in the development of this condition. Environmental factors can also determine the development of this disease in people. Sun exposure, some drugs and toxins can worsen the rash that is observed in lupus. Estrogen is also one of the factors that may be related to the development of this problem.
Systemic lupus erythematosus is marked by symptoms such as fever, fatigue along with joint pain. The fever experienced in lupus is often low grade and the symptoms may be flu like. Muscle pain and joint swelling along with pain is commonly experienced with lupus. Pain of the joints in areas like the knees, hand and wrists is commonly experienced.
The lupus rash which can be observed in the form of redness on cheeks can become aggravated due to sun exposure. People suffering from lupus also tend to experience hair loss. Inflammation in the sac that holds the heart may also be observed and this is called pericarditis. Lupus also results in kidney problems in some cases. In some cases lung problems may also be experienced
With systemic lupus erythematosus people may also experience chest pain along with shortness in breath. Many lupus patients also tend to develop mouth and nose ulcers. The abdominal lining may also develop inflammation and the intestines may also experience infection.
While diagnosing systemic lupus erythematosus physicians keep in mind 11 criteria for evaluation and classification. For diagnosis of lupus individual must satisfy 4 and more of the criteria. The butterfly shaped rash or malar rash as it is called can also help in diagnosing this condition. A patient is also evaluated for photosensitivity, oral ulcers, kidney problems, arthritis, blood disorders, immunological disorders and neurological disorders.
Some tests that can be conducted for the diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus include antinuclear antibody test, blood tests and X rays along with biopsy of skin and kidney if needed. The treatment for this condition may include taking immunosuppressive drugs and anti malarial drugs. Some other anti inflammatory drugs may also be taken.
Lupus patients suffering from skin rashes should wear protective clothing and use sun blocking agents. Likewise it is important to make changes in the lifestyle so as to ensure that the problems associated with this condition do not become worse. Patients also have to take care of their diet as following a poor diet plan can result in the condition becoming worse.
Skin Lupus
Lupus results in a number of skin problems. The classical skin lupus is actually a skin problem involving rash in the shape of a butterfly. This rash is sometimes similar to a mild blush and in other cases is quite red and can be seen to occur across the bridge of a person’s nose. This gives the rash a butterfly like appearance.
Skin lupus characterized by rash is seen in systemic form of lupus and in this type problems involving the other organs within the body are also involved. In fact the presence of this rash during the beginning stages of the disease allow the doctors in diagnosing the condition. The appearance of butterfly rashes depends on the extent to which the underlying lupus is active. However this rash does not leave any scars once it starts healing.
Discoid lupus is a skin lupus where other organs within the body are not affected. In fact this kind of lupus can be observed in patches on the body. In this kind of lupus the patches are defined, thick and rather scaly. These patches can also be itchy and red. When these patches heal scarring may occur and where the skin is dark the pigmentation of the skin may be lost resulting in white areas. If this occurs on a person’s scalp then it can result in a person losing hair since with the healing of patches permanent bald areas may be left behind.
Another skin lupus may involve a rash that may be seen in the areas of the body that are exposed to the sun. In this form of rash scaly patches may be observed and these eventually grow in size and form circular areas that eventually heal and there is no scarring in this case. People suffering from lupus may have mild to extreme rashes.
With lupus some people may experience inflammation of fat underneath the skin. This may result in red lumps underneath the skin that are tender and these eventually heal with time and may result in dimpling of skin once they heal completely. Skin lupus may also include cases where the blood vessels within the skin are affected. The blood vessels may become inflamed and this is called vasculitis.
Vasculities can also cause red spots on the feet and hands of the person. In lupus the blood flow within the blood vessels may become rather sluggish and in these individuals the skin may have a mottled appearance that looks like a net. Lupus also results in the skin becoming extremely sensitive to any sun exposure. The reasons for lupus affecting the skin are not really known. It is however known that proteins and antibodies are deposited in a person’s skin while fighting infection and this can cause inflammation. With skin lupus problems it is also important to understand that the protein in the skin of the patients suffering from lupus has greater sensitivity towards ultraviolet rays and this can cause inflammation.
Sufferers of skin lupus problems should avoid skin exposure and wear long sleeves. It is also advisable to use sun block agents and regular medical attention and treatment for this problem should be sought.
Lupus Vulgaris
Lupus vulgaris is an extremely common type of cutaneous tuberculosis. This condition or disease is usually observed in individuals who are sensitized towards mycobacterium tuberculosis. Typically this condition is marked by the presence of a particular and common lesion which is soft and elastic tubercle. This lesion may be yellow or the brownish violet in color and may be translucent to a certain extent. Such a tubercle may either exist alone or may be a part of a group consisting of eight or ten such lesions.
The lesion in lupus vulgaris is chronic and may gradually enlarge. After it attains a certain size it may continue to persist in the same condition indefinitely and may eventually resolve after leaving a cicatrix which is depressed. In many cases superficial ulceration is seen to occur and then the lesion is seen to be covered with a crust or scab which is darkish. Once the crust or scab is removed the ulceration can be seen.
In many cases of lupus vulgaris each time the crust is removed fresh crust is formed on the ulceration and this can become quite extensive. In some cases infiltration can be seen to occur underneath the tubercles and new connective tissue can be seen. This gives rise to a protuberant or elevated mass and this is called hypertrophic lupus. In some cases group of pustules are seen and considerable amount of ulceration can be observed.
Lupus vulgaris may sometimes be confused with syphilis but in syphilis the lesions progress faster and the ulcers have sharper margins as compared to those in lupus. Likewise there is a greater amount of discharge in syphilis and a peculiar kind of odor may also be observed in syphilis. Arsenic has been used as a cure for lupus vulgaris.
Likewise in some cases iodide of potassium along with mercury has been used to great benefit. In many cases once the lesion attains moderate size and is found to be conveniently located it can be treated by excising it. Arsenic treatment should however be undertaken only under the guidance of an able professional.
Lupus Tests
Lupus is an autoimmune disease or condition and diagnosis of lupus can be done by way of numerous diagnostic tools along with some lupus tests. Some common ways in which this diagnosis is done include taking entire medical history of the patient, physical examination along with biopsy of the skin and the kidneys. A number of lab tests may be undertaken to make a proper diagnosis.
There are a number of different lupus tests that are used for diagnosis. The physician usually asks for a complete blood count to be done. This is done as the blood can reveal a great deal about the condition of the concerned person. The white blood cells help the body by fighting against infections and are one of the indicators of any possible infection. This test determines the white blood cell count and too high or too low count can be indicative of some problems.
A complete blood count also includes determining the differential WBC, red blood cell count, hemoglobin along with the platelet count. For lupus the physician focuses on the WBC and RBC counts. Diagnosing a condition like lupus takes some time as there is no single test that can definitively point out this condition. Among the different lupus tests antinuclear antibody test or ANA as it is called is used to determine the presence of auto antibodies.
These auto antibodies tend to react against the components of a nucleus of a person’s cells. People suffering from lupus tend to test positive for the ANA test. So a positive ANA test can be one of the indicators that may be used by the physician. Some other lupus tests that can be used to identify individual kinds of auto antibodies include anti-RNP, anti-DNA, anti-Ro (SSA), anti-Sm and anti-La (SSB)
In addition to these lupus tests the doctor may also order erythrocyte sedimentation rate, blood chemistries, urinalysis along with biopsy of kidneys and the skin if such a need is felt. Likewise the doctor also detects possible lupus if the person has the characteristic lesions or rash. A chest X-ray can also be helpful in determining pleuritis or possible pericarditis. Urinalysis may be used to determine possible proteins within the urine. The physician will also use a stethoscope to determine any possible heart friction or pleural friction.
Some other lupus tests that may be used for a correct diagnosis include serum globulin electrophoresis, Coomb’s test, rheumatoid factor, mononucleosis spot test; complement component 3, antithyroid microsomal antibody and anmitochondrial antibody among others. Likewise lupus erythematosus cell preparation test or LE prep as it is called may also be performed.
Finally along with lupus tests the symptoms presented such as the butterfly rash, arthritis, discoid rash, mouth ulcers, kidney damage, and inflammation of lining in the lungs along with seizures and psychosis are also observed. The evaluation is based on 11 criteria in total and on the satisfaction of at least 4 criteria along with the tests can help the doctors to make a diagnosis of this condition.
Lupus Rash
Lupus includes a number of symptoms and different patients of this disease experience these symptoms in differing intensities. Lupus basically affects the immune system and this causes the immune system to produce antibodies that attack the healthy tissues and body cells. This problem with the immune system can result in a number of problems like lupus rash and internal disorders like heart problems, kidney disease and problems with the nervous system.
Lupus rash is characterized with redness in the cheek areas and this is called malar blush or rash. This rash can be seen in both discoid as well as systemic forms of this disease. In fact this rash is often one of the first signs of this disease. Other symptoms associated with this disease may come and go but it is rather difficult to manage this rash as it can be persistent and quite difficult to overcome.
In as many as 90% of people suffering from lupus some sort of a skin rash may be involved. However these skin symptoms are commonly seen in white people, more so than in people belonging to African American communities. In discoid lupus the red skin patches along with the scaliness can result in scarring. In some cases the lupus rash is shaped as a butterfly and can be seen on both the cheeks across the bridge of a person’s nose. Such a lesion can be seen after exposure to sun and can last from a few days to a few weeks and it can heal without any scarring.
Discoid lupus erythmatosus involves lupus rash that can be seen on the face, the ears and the scalp. In the beginning the lesions may be elevated papules and plaques that eventually become raised and bright red. Later the centre of such lesions becomes depressed and the color fades and atrophy can be observed. The lesions may heal along with scarring and hypo pigmentation or hyper pigmentation may also be observed
Lupus rash may also appear in the form of deep nodules where the lesion is located underneath the skin within the subcutaneous tissue. Such a rash heals with atrophy of the area. In some cases the rash is characterized with the presence of blisters that contain a fluid that is clear. The blisters may be between 3 to around 40 mm in diameter. Such a rash can be seen on exposure to the sun. The lesions in this case may resolve without scarring.
Lupus Nephritis
Lupus nephritis is a problematic condition wherein the kidney is inflamed and this occurs because of systemic lupus erythematosus or SLE. This is basically a disease afflicting the immune system. SLE causes problems in joints, kidneys, brain and the skin. Some factors that may be responsible for development of SLE include genetic factors, viruses, gender, infections and environmental causes.
This disease is basically observed when the antibodies and other complements build within the kidneys and these results in swelling. Lupus nephritis causes increased blood pressure, swelling in the eye region, weight gain, dark urine and swelling in the fingers, ankles and the legs. Some people who suffer from SLE do not have any obvious symptoms of possible kidney disease. Any such problems need to be diagnosed with urine and blood tests.
Diagnosis of lupus nephritis can be done by way of some blood as well as urine tests along with kidney biopsy. Presence of protein or blood in urine is a sign of possible kidney damage. Kidneys are responsible for removing waste materials such as urea and creatinine from a person’s blood. If the levels of such substances within the blood increase then it can result in decline in the functioning of the kidneys. Based on the creatinine score the glomerular filtration rate can be determined.
Lupus nephritis can also be diagnosed with the help of a kidney biopsy. In this a tissue sample is obtained and this sample is then examined under the microscope. Such a sample is obtained through the insertion of a needle. Treatment of this disease is based on the symptoms. Corticosteroids may be prescribed as these help in decreasing inflammation by suppressing the immune system.
Immunosuppressive drugs may also be used so as to prevent any rejection of organs if organ transplants are done. If the case of lupus nephritis is severe then the doctor may prescribe mycophenolate or cyclophosphamide. The patient may also require multiple medicines in order to control the blood pressure and patients also need to control the diet and limit the consumption of sodium and protein.
Dialysis may also be needed in some cases so as to control any symptoms of possible kidney failure. Some patients experience acute flare ups and this is followed by a relative symptom free period. Some cases of this condition may result in chronic kidney failure and therefore quire transplant.
Lupus Information
Lupus is a painful and problematic autoimmune disease in which the immune system is incapable of differentiating between the healthy tissues and cells and any foreign substances. Due to this the immune system creates antibodies that are directed against cells and tissues that are healthy. Lupus information and research indicates that such a problem in the immune system causes injury in the tissues along with inflammation and pain.
Lupus information reveals that this problem can affect in varying degrees in different people. In some cases it can affect the skin, blood, joints, lungs and even the kidneys. In lupus the patients tend to suffer from many flare ups from time to time. There are three kinds of lupus which include systemic lupus, discoid lupus and drug induced lupus. Systemic lupus is a relatively severe form of lupus and can affect the organs of the body. Discoid lupus is characterized by the appearance of a rash particularly on the neck, face and the scalp. Drug induced lupus is seen to occur following the use of certain kinds of drugs. Lupus information indicates that the exact cause for the occurrence of lupus is not known.
Lupus information throws light on the symptoms that are observed in this illness or condition. These symptoms may include slight fever, joint pain and inflammation in the joints, skin rashes, anemia, and sensitivity towards light, hair loss, fatigue, nose or mouth ulcers, sensitivity towards light and even seizures.
The butterfly rash is classically observed among people suffering from lupus. Hives can also be seen in some cases and also other symptoms where the fingers of the person turn white and then bluish when subjected to stress, vibration or cold. Joint pain, muscle ache and hair loss is quite common among those suffering from lupus. Inflammation of the sac that surrounds the heart is also seen in some cases. Lupus information indicates that lupus nephritis may also be observed in some cases.
Treatment of lupus includes taking medication so as to reduce any inflammation. Medicines are also taken to minimize other symptoms such a joint pain. Along with anti inflammatory drugs in some cases anti malarial drugs and immunosuppressive drugs may also be taken. Lupus information indicates that women are more likely to develop this condition as compared to men. Likewise individuals belonging to certain communities like African American and Latin communities are more likely to experience this condition.
Some factors that could contribute to the development of this disease include genetic factors, consumption of certain medications, exposure to sun, estrogen, infection and even stress. The best way to tackle this condition is to regularly follow the medical treatment that is advised. Likewise a balanced diet plan should also be followed along with moderate exercise. Information about this condition indicates that as many as 16000 people in America develop this condition every year.
Lupus Hair Loss
Lupus is a problematic autoimmune disorder in which the immune system of a person turns against the body and damages the healthy cells and tissues. In lupus hair loss can be observed in 50% of the cases suffering from this condition. Hair problems and loss can be observed in the form of thinning of hair during the period of disease activity. Lupus hair include short strands of hair on the scalp line can also be seen.
In cases of an acute systemic lupus erythematosus attack fever is seen in many cases and this is normally followed with generalized hair loss. This hair loss follows arrested growth of hair in the period when the disease is acute. In lupus hair loss may also be seen because of infection or because of the use of corticosteroids and other medications to treat this condition.
In lupus hair loss may be the result of discoid lesions as well. In cases where there is sudden flare up in the disease activity hair growth may include defective hair and this can result in the hair becoming rather fragile and breaking easily. Chronic discoid lupus and subacute cutaneous lupus tends to interfere with the normal functioning of hair follicles. Some medicines like prednisone particularly can cause hair loss.
In lupus hair loss can be distressing for the patients and their family. However it is important to understand that such hair loss is temporary and the hair successfully grows back after treatment. However where scarring of hair follicles is seen because of a kind of rash on the scalp called discoid rash the resulting hair loss may be permanent. In lupus hair loss may in fact be one of the first manifestations of this disease and this may be noticed by the patient in the form of hair on the patient’s pillow. The extent of hair loss may vary in different cases. In some cases the hair loss may be patchy while in others it may be extreme. Following the hair loss hair growth is observed but the hair regeneration occurs at an extremely slow pace.
Lupus Foundation
Lupus is a debilitating and painful condition and there is no complete cure for this illness. In lupus the immune system in a person’s body mistakenly attacks healthy tissue and cells and this causes a lot of problems such as skin rashes, inflammation of tissue, joint pain and kidney and heart problems in some cases. Lupus can be managed with treatment and lifestyle changes. Lupus foundation is a non-profit organization that aims to provide support to lupus sufferers and also conducts research in this area.
The Lupus foundation in America was started in 1977 and is a voluntary organization that is formed so as to find the cause for this illness along with a cure. It also provides a platform on which those suffering from lupus can come together and seek support. It also provides other services to those affected with this painful condition.
The lupus foundation also has a network of multiple chapters and also supports groups all over the country. The aim of this foundation and its chapters is to advocate for more private sector as well as public sector support towards research on this condition. The foundation also aims to translate the findings of the research in information that can be accessed by families, health professionals and physicians.
Lupus foundation also aims to increase the public awareness about this condition and how it impacts people. The foundation also brings together a group of patients and the caregivers and helps them to create a healthy support group. It also brings together a wide array of individuals such as researches, officials, clinicians, policy makers, other organizations and industry leaders along with patients for discussion.
The foundation also aims to increase the speed of research on this condition. The individuals in this foundation also work towards development of effective and safe treatments by seeking investments and also by collaborating with biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries. It also plays an important role in giving information and generating awareness about this condition and how it affects people as well as their families.
The lupus foundation also aims to seek increased funding by the government so that the funds can be used for further research. One of the jobs of the foundation is also to translate the research findings into information that can be properly transmitted for the use of health professionals and physicians. One of the jobs of the foundation is to address this condition and its associated problems at all levels such as local, state and national levels.
Lupus Flare
Lupus is a problematic condition that involves the immune system. Individuals suffering from lupus often experience unpredictable bouts or problems associated with this disease. Such problems and bouts are called flares. A lupus flare is often followed by a period when the condition is in remission. There is no particular reason for a flare up in the condition.
There are some factors that may contribute to a lupus flare. These may include sunlight and it is particularly true for those lupus patients that are photosensitive. Some other factors that can contribute to lupus flares among patients include stress, pregnancy and certain kinds of medications.
A lupus flare can be identified because of the presence of some specific signs or clues. These include excessive fatigue that is out of proportion with the activity, body aches, persistent weakness along with slight fever and loss of appetite. Other signs include weight loss, hair loss, nose bleeds, skin rashes that cannot be explained, painful joints, shortness of breath, abdominal pain, puffy eyelids, nausea, chest pain that increases while breathing and blood in urine.
A lupus flare can be tackled by following the treatment plan prescribed by the doctor. It is also important to incorporate lifestyle changes in order to control the problems associated with this illness. Moderate exercise along with good nutrition and rest can also contribute towards minimizing the problems occurring because of this condition. It is also important for lupus patients to avoid direct sunlight and sources of ultraviolet light.
Lupus patients should avoid sun exposure particularly between 10 am to around 2 pm. It is also advisable for lupus patients to use protective clothing and sunscreen lotions. Physical along with psychological stress can adversely affect a person’s immune system and so lupus patients should take care and minimize the stress.
A lupus flare is basically a sign of increased activity of the disease and so it is extremely important for the patients that they take adequate care and follow the treatment plan completely. Before taking any new medication it is advisable to notify the doctor about the lupus. It is also important to ensure that the products that are used are not harmful. Where a flare includes skin problems then the patients can use topical steroids along with other non steroidal and anti inflammatory agents.
Lupus Disease
Lupus disease is a problematic condition that affects the body’s immune system. This disorder affects as many as 1.5 million American people and out of these individuals almost 90% are women. In a healthy person the immune system functions by creating immunity cells along with antibodies which are special substances that are designed to fight infections and germs. However when a person is afflicted by this disease the immune system is affected and cannot differentiate between the normal or healthy cells and the germs that are responsible for causing infections.
In the lupus disease the affected immune system reacts by creating auto antibodies that destroy the normal cells in the body. There are three types or kinds of lupus. The first type is called systemic lupus erythematosus also known as SLE. Many people who are afflicted with this form develop the symptoms during their teens. This disease affects the joints, tendons and the skin. It can also affect other organs like the heart, kidneys, lungs and the brain.
The second form of lupus disease is known as discoid lupus and this form results in rash on areas such as the neck, ears, scalp and the face. This is a rare form of lupus and it doesn’t affect the other body parts. However the rash that is seen in this form of lupus can result in scarring. Finally drug induced lupus as the name suggests is caused because of reaction to some types of medicines. So some forms of anti seizure medicines along with acne medicines can result in this type of lupus. When the person discontinues these medicines the symptoms also go away.
Researchers and medical professionals have not been able to find out the exact causes for this lupus disease. However a combination of factors may be responsible for this disease. These include gender since more women tend to get lupus as compared to men. Estrogen may be one of the contributing factors in this disease as most of the women getting lupus belong to the childbearing age. Race and ethnicity may also be responsible for this illness. Genetics along with stress and infections can also contribute towards development of this illness.
Lupus disease is difficult to diagnose for the simple reason that the symptoms in this disease are varied among different people. In some people it may result in muscle aches along with swollen glands and loss of appetite. In some other people it may cause abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting and nausea. To diagnose this some blood tests may be need to be done. Such tests will be interpreted by a rheumatologist who is trained to diagnose autoimmune diseases such as lupus.
While diagnosing lupus disease doctors ordinarily try to detect around 11 signs which include rash, photosensitivity, ulcers in areas like the mouth and nose, arthritis, kidney problems, problems with the immune system and neurologic problems among others. A positive ANA test detects some kinds of antibodies that determine that the person has lupus.
Lupus disease can be treated based on the severity of the condition. Ant malarial drugs and immunosuppressive drugs may be taken to deal with this condition. Along with the different treatment options it is important for people suffering from lupus to make changes in their lifestyle and pay particular attention to some habits that can stop the symptoms from being unmanageable. It is important for people suffering from lupus to eat well and also exercise regularly.
Lupus Diet
Lupus is an autoimmune disease in which the treatment is of crucial importance. However the lifestyle of the person along with the diet should also be changed so as to ensure that the condition is not aggravated. Some people tend to believe that the inclusion or avoidance of some food items can help or exacerbate this condition. However it is more about following a good lupus diet than consuming or avoiding any particular food items.
A bad lupus diet choice can result in further increasing the inflammatory effects. Therefore good nutrition is extremely important. Individuals afflicted with lupus should be aware of any food allergies and suspected allergens that can cause stimulation within the individual’s immune system. Such allergies can aggravate the symptoms associated with this disease.
Lupus diet should also include food items that are low in saturated fats along with sugar and also low in protein and salt. Lupus patients tend to develop kidney problems and so less protein and salt is essential. In autoimmune diseases individuals tend to have reduced levels of the essential fatty acids and so this can contribute to the inflammation.
Omega 3 oils found in flaxseed oil and fish oil help in inhibiting the fatty acids responsible for inflammation and help in reducing inflammation. People with SLE have low amounts of omega 3 along with omega 6 oils and so these supplements should be taken as a part of the diet plan to correct the imbalances.
It is advisable to ensure that the lupus diet include 75 % alkalizing food items. Alkalizing food items include vegetables and fruits, organic yogurt, edible flowers, garlic, herbal tea, cinnamon, chicken breast, ginger and cottage cheese among others. So acidifying food items such as grains, beef, lobster, shrimp, lamb, beer, beans and peanuts should make up for only 25% of the food items.
Amino acids like tyrosine and phenylalanine should be removed from the lupus diet since they tend to aggravate the symptoms associated with this disease. Likewise high fat diet can result in progression of this disease and weaken the immune system further and so low fat diet should be followed. Other supplements that should be included in the diet are magnesium and beta carotene supplements.
Some research and trials also indicate that vitamin B12; vitamin B3, vitamin E, selenium and pantothenic acid included in the lupus diet can be beneficial. Lupus patients may experience specific problems like weight gain. In that case changes in the diet such as reducing fat intake in the diet can help in tackling the problem. It is not only important to plan out and follow a proper lupus diet but also to include moderate exercise along with the essential supplements in the diet plan.
Lupus Cerebritis
Lupus cerebritis is a problematic manifestation of lupus and is quite difficult to diagnose. With advancements in laboratory analysis along with imaging technology it is now much easier to make specific diagnosis of this condition. Lupus cerebritis basically refers to brain or nervous system involvement in a condition like systemic lupus erythematosus.
The symptoms of lupus cerebritis may be mild or severe and these may include depression, anxiety, headaches, stroke and seizures among others. Serious symptoms of this condition can be seen in around 15% of cases and these are observed only among those who have severe lupus. In some cases inflammation of brain can be seen if the brain or the nervous system is attacked as a result of problems with the immune system. The serious problems caused because of inflammation include headaches, seizures, vision problems, dizziness, behavior changes and even stroke.
In recent times a number of cases with some mild form of lupus cerebritis have been identified. These problems associated with this condition include mild kind of depression, headache and even memory loss in some cases. Basically there are two kinds of lupus cerebritis affecting the brain. The first kind is seen when lupus causes physical changes or alterations in the brain activity. The second form is a clotting disorder and once the type of condition is identified the relevant treatment can be given.
Where individuals display dramatic symptoms associated with lupus cerebritis such as behavior changes or seizures the treatment will include steroids in high doses along with immunosuppressive drugs. Brain scans are used to determine if the condition is related to a clotting problem that is called Hughes syndrome. In these cases some areas in the blood does not get sufficient blood supply because of blood clot and in this case the treatment involves thinning the blood with anticoagulants or aspirin.
In severe flare ups of lupus some other psychiatric disorders may be experienced including mood swings or other personality disorders. In some cases however psychotic behaviour may also be observed. It is important to understand that in United States more than 50 % patients with systemic lupus erythematosus may suffer from neurological involvement.
Lupus Anticoagulant
Lupus anticoagulant is a problem wherein the autoantibodies in an individual bind to proteins and phospholipids that are associated with cell membranes. This can affect blood clotting as interaction between clotting factors and cell membranes is essential for the correct activity of a coagulation cascade.
Lupus anticoagulant can basically be understood as a tendency of the antiphopholipid antibodies to delay the clotting time. Diagnosis of this problem is often done in patients that are asymptomatic by way of a routine blood testing before any surgery. Individuals with lupus anticoagulant can develop thrombosis along with excessive bleeding and may also experience habitual abortions.
Many patients who have the condition of lupus anticoagulant do not have lupus erythematosus and a very small number of these patients actually develop this disease. However those who have lupus erythematosus have a greater likelihood of developing lupus anticoagulant as compared to the general population.
A routine plasma test usually reflects delayed clotting time and this will be followed with functional testing to determine the function of blood clotting. Along with functional testing serological testing may be undertaken to determine common autoantibodies like antiphophslipid antibodies. Such antibodies delay the in-vitro coagulation in the laboratory tests dependent on phospholipid.
In the initial stages after the workup the patient’s plasma is taken and mixed with plasma that is pooled normally and after this the clotting is re-assessed. If lupus anticoagulant is present then it will act as an inhibiter and the result will be an abnormal clotting time. If the clotting time becomes normal then the presence of lupus coagulant is not considered.
The results of the mixing test are confirmed with a test like Kaolin clotting time or the dilute Russel’s viper venom time. Individuals who have a well documented presence of lupus anticoagulant along with thrombosis history are considered to be candidates for treatment with anticoagulants for an indefinite time period. Those who do not have a history of thrombosis but have lupus anticoagulant should be observed. Individuals with this problem may experience possible frequent miscarriages.
Testing for lupus anticoagulant is done when any patient undergoes a thrombotic episode that cannot be explained. Such a testing is also undertaken in case the patient experiences recurrent miscarriages and it may also be ordered as a follow up for any prolonged PTT test. Any person who has an autoimmune disease like systemic lupus erythematosus but has tested negative for lupus anticoagulant may be required to undergo specific test such as the PTT. This is done so as to find out whether development of the antibody has occurred since the last test.
Lupus And Pregnancy
Pregnancy in individuals suffering from lupus can have immense impact on the mother as well as the fetus. In lupus and pregnancy, around 10% of the pregnancy cases can end up being miscarried because of the problems associated with lupus. Any loss that is seen to occur in the first trimester period may be either because of no cause in particular or because of an active lupus.
These days with proper medical care a lupus pregnancy can be carried the complete term and a healthy baby can be delivered. In order to increase the chances of delivering a healthy child it is important that the pregnancy is carefully planned. It is important to ensure that the disease is either under control or in remission before the conception. Getting pregnant while the disease is active can cause stillbirth, miscarriage and other serious problems.
lupus and pregnancy should also be monitored by an obstetrician who is experienced in managing such high risk pregnancies. The delivery of a pregnancy in such a case should be undertaken at a hospital that has sufficient experience in managing high risk patients. This will ensure that all the required specialized care is provided for the mother and the child.
In lupus and pregnancy, a vaginal birth may not be a possibility and often caesarean section is advised. Often pregnant women suffering from lupus tend to develop lupus flare. Such flares develop in the first or the second trimester or the first few months that follow the pregnancy and these flares can be treated with mild doses of corticosteroids.
In a lupus pregnancy the baby born is perfectly healthy in most cases and women with lupus do not have greater chance of delivering babies with any retardation or birth defects. Regular progress of the child and the mother will be assessed by the doctors during the pregnancy period. It is important to understand that in case of pregnancies that are not properly planned as many as 70% of these pregnancies end up in miscarriages. Also around 30% of these unplanned pregnancies result in premature births.
Women who are pregnant and suffering from lupus should completely avoid anti malarial drugs which may be used at times to manage the problems associated with lupus. Some drugs that are non steroidal in nature along with some anti inflammatory medicines can be taken in lupus and pregnancy under the guidance of a doctor. As many as 20 percent pregnant women with lupus experience pre eclampsia and the symptoms of this include high excretion of protein through the urine along with high blood pressure. It is ideal for women with lupus to plan a pregnancy and conceive when there are no symptoms of lupus for at least six months before conception.
In some women with anti SSA and anti Ro antibodies symptoms similar to lupus may be observed in the baby when it is born and this is called neonatal lupus. The symptoms of this problem may include unusual blood count, skin rash and irregular heartbeat. These symptoms are ordinarily resolved by the third or sixth month after the child’s birth.
Living With Lupus
Lupus is a problematic condition that can affect a number of organs within the human body. Living with lupus can therefore be a disconcerting experience for lupus patients. Diagnosis of this illness is quite difficult as there is no single test that can definitely help in making the diagnosis. Lupus causes problems like joint and muscle pain, fatigue, hair loss, rash and mouth ulcers. The severity of the symptoms and the problems in this condition are varied in different cases.
Lupus is basically a rheumatic problem that affects as many as 1.5 million people in United States. Lupus affects the immune system and in this problem the immune system attacks the tissue in the body. In a healthy individual antibodies are produced and these protect the body against viruses and bacteria against infections. With lupus however the immune system cannot differentiate between healthy cells and the viruses and bacteria. Living with lupus can therefore be quite problematic.
Some factors that can cause this condition include genetics, extreme stress, and use of certain medications, estrogen and infection. Lupus is also far more commonly observed among females as compared to males. Among different communities Asian American individuals, Latinos, Native Americans and African American individuals are observed to be suffering and living with lupus.
The three kinds of lupus include systemic lupus erythematosus, discoid lupus and drug induced lupus. Individuals living with lupus experience multiple problems like malar rash which a rash that is seen to be spread across the cheeks. Other problems in lupus include mouth and nose ulcers, sensitivity to light resulting in rash, kidney problems, arthritis etc.
Also those living with lupus also experience, weakness, weight loss, fever, muscle loss, hair loss and even abdominal pain. While there is no definite cure for this condition managing this illness is possible if appropriate care is taken. Caring for the illness requires a person to avoid all those things that will result in flare ups.
Patients living with lupus have to take medications. These may include corticosteroids to control the inflammation along with other drugs to control the joint and the muscle pain. Anti malarial drugs are taken to deal with the joint pain along with the skin rashes. In some cases where kidney problems may be involved immunosuppressive drugs may be required to be taken,
Patients living with lupus need to change their lifestyle to manage this condition. Taking adequate rest is needed. Likewise patients should avoid excessive sun exposure and wear sunscreen agents along with protective clothing. Regular exercise is also crucial and helps in preventing joint stiffness and fatigue. A balanced diet can also help in maintaining good health.
Any kind of stress should be strictly avoided. Anything that triggers flare ups should be identified and consciously avoided. It is also advisable to avoid contact with individuals who have any kind of infection. Smoking can be problematic if you are suffering from lupus and so it should be given up. It is advisable that medical professionals are regularly updated about the condition and the treatment plan should be religiously followed.
History Of Lupus
History of lupus includes three periods over which this condition has been identified, described and investigated. The classical period was the initial period in which this cutaneous disorder was described. During the neoclassical period the manifestation of lupus were described and this followed with the discovery of LE cells in the modern period.
The history of lupus reflects the fact that during the classical period the term lupus was derived and this was followed with clinical description of cutaneous lesions seen in lupus vulgaris, discoid lupus and lupus profundus. Likewise the photosensitivity of the butterfly or malar rash was also determined in this period.
The term lupus was initially coined by a physician Rogerius in the thirteenth century and it was used to explain facial lesions that were erosive in nature and that were reminiscent of the bite of a wolf. The classical description of the dermatological features of this condition was given by Thomas Bateman who was a student. Description of the lesions of discoid lupus was given by Cazenave in the year 1833. He gave the description as a part of the term erythema centrifugum and the butterfly distribution which was a part of the facial rash was described by von Hebra.
In the neoclassical period during the history of lupus Kaposi gave the description of systemic nature of this condition. Kaposi also indicated towards two kinds of lupus erythematosus which included disseminated form and discoid form. He also gave some signs of disseminated form of lupus which included arthritis, fever, anemia, weight loss, subcutaneous nodules, lymphadenopathy and involvement of central nervous system.
The systemic lupus was determined in the history of lupus in 1904 by Jadassohn and Osler. In the modern period the LE cell was discovered in the year 1948 by Hargraves along with other colleagues. With this discovery the present era was ushered in and this allowed for immunology to be applied in the lupus erythematosus study. In the 1950s two immunologic markers that were related with lupus were identified.
In the modern period of the history of lupus animal model of the lupus has been developed and this has also been followed with an identification of the role that genetic predisposition has to play in the development of this condition. Leonhardt identified familial occurrence of the systemic lupus in 1954. It is also important to explain and review the development of lupus therapy.
History of lupus indicates that quinine was first identified as being useful in treatment of lupus in the year 1894. The treatment of this condition was revolutionized with the discovery of usefulness of cortisone and adrenocorticotrophic hormone which was discovered by Hench. Currently corticosteroids are used as the primary therapy in all patients suffering from systemic lupus. Anti malarial drugs are used to treat patients where joint and skin involvement is seen and immunosuppressive drugs may be used where life threatening manifestations of this condition are observed.
Drug Induced Lupus
Drug induced lupus has symptoms that are similar to lupus but is specifically observed because of use of certain kind of drugs. Such a condition is observed when these drugs are taken over some period of time. Such a condition is entirely reversible after the drugs are discontinued. There are around 38 drugs that are known to cause this problem but a few are considered to be the primary culprits.
This drug induced lupus is caused mostly because of drugs that are used to treat some chronic conditions including hypertension, thyroid disease, heart disease, inflammation, epilepsy and neuropsychiatric disorders. There are three drugs that can be blamed the most for this condition. These include quinidine and procainamide which are used as treatment for heart arrhythmias and hydralazine which is used as a form of treatment for hypertension.
Drug induced lupus is not very common and it can affect any person who take these drugs for a period of several months or years. This condition may be seen among people in mild form to even severe form in some cases. The symptoms seen in this condition may be similar to those seen among lupus patients. These symptoms may include joint and muscle pain, arthritis and even fever.
The symptoms associated with drug induced lupus may develop quite slowly or in some cases these may appear quickly. For diagnosing this condition physicians often require the patient to take an anti histone antibody blood test which signifies the presence of antibodies when the drugs are responsible for causing the lupus.
The good thing with this condition is that it can be completely cured by stopping the drugs responsible for it. However this usually takes a period of months to years and the condition can develop again if the patient starts using the medication. Drug induced lupus can include multiple organ and systems such as skin, joints, kidneys and the central nervous system. Kidney involvement is observed in many cases of this condition.
Proper diagnosis of this condition can be done based on presence of clinical symptoms of lupus along with presence of antinuclear antibodies. Likewise the patient must have no previous history of lupus and must be using a drug that can be identified to be responsible for the problem. Finally the drug must have been taken 3 weeks to up to 2 years before the symptoms appear and rapid clinical improvement must be observed when the drugs are discontinued.
Drug induced lupus is caused because of drugs that are often prescribed to treat conditions affecting men over the age of 50 years and so this is the age group in which this problem is primarily noticed. Along with stopping the usage of these culprit drugs non steroidal and anti inflammatory drugs may also be used so as to allow the symptoms to resolve. Patients who have severe symptoms may be prescribed corticosteroids so as to reduce the inflammation.
Discoid Lupus
Lupus is a problematic and a debilitating condition that can affect different parts of the human body such as skin, blood, joints and kidney. In this condition the immune system of the body attacks the cells and tissue in the body and this can result in inflammation, pain and damage to some of the organs. There are three different types of lupus and these are systemic lupus, discoid lupus and drug induced lupus.
Discoid lupus erthematosus or simply discoid lupus as it is called is a kind of lupus that results in chronic skin eruptions among those suffering from this condition. If these eruptions are left untreated then it can result in scarring and disfigurement that can be permanent.
The exact reasons for discoid lupus are not entirely known. However it is interesting to know that among the individuals suffering from discoid lupus erythematosus as many as 60% are women. These women are in late the twenties or may be older. This type of lupus is quite rare among children. In discoid lupus erythematosus lesions can be seen. These are red and scaling plaques that have follicular plugging along with central atrophy.
These form of lesions with raised edges along with sunken centers look like coins. These lesions in discoid lupus can normally occur anywhere on a person’s body. However they are normally observed on the neck, face, ears, scalp and the arms. These may also be seen on any other parts that are exposed to the sunlight. These lesions may resolve totally or they may also cause hyper pigmentation or hypo pigmentation along with atrophy and also scarring.
The facial plaque in some cases can assume the butterfly shape as seen in another type of lupus. In discoid lupus the hair also becomes brittle and patches of hair can simply fall out. Such alopecia may be permanent. Before diagnosis of this form of lupus is made the patient history is taken and the rash itself is carefully examined.
Patients suffering from discoid lupus should avoid excessive exposure to sunlight for long periods of time. Likewise exposure to reflected sunlight and also fluorescent light should also be avoided. It is important for these individuals to wear protective clothing and use sunscreen. Such individuals should also avoid going out when sunlight is intense or harsh and any changes in the existing lesions should be promptly brought to the notice of the doctor. The treatment for this condition includes topical and intralesional along with systemic medication.
Cutaneous Lupus
Cutaneous lupus is seen in around 10% of the lupus cases and in this condition only the skin is affected. In this condition different types of skin lesions are seen among people. Lupus which is a condition affecting the immune system is marked by the appearance of a classic rash which is a red, scaly, raised rash shaped like a coin. Such a rash can be seen on a person’s face and in some cases it may occur in other regions of the body. When this rash heals scarring is seen to occur.
The different types of cutaneous lupus erythematosus include discoid lupus erythematosus, drug induced lupus erythematosus, lupus erythematosus tumidus, lupus profundus, subacute lupus erythematosus, neonatal lupus arythematosus, chilblain lupus erythematosus, cutaneous lupus mucinosis and systemic lupus erythematosus.
In cutaneous lupus excessive exposure to light particularly ultraviolet light results in this form of lupus. So people suffering from cutaneous lupus have to be particularly carefully and limit their exposure to sun. Such individuals also need to wear sunscreen and sun block agents. Some cases may further develop into systemic lupus erythematosus.
Cutaneous lupus can be seen in different clinical presentations but the treatment for this condition is quite similar even for the different forms. Scarring is the most prevalent problem with these patients and this problem must be treated with enough aggressiveness so as to prevent this from becoming a permanent issue. In the initial stages topical along with intralesional therapy may be given. However if the desired response is not attained then systemic therapy may be used.
Before treatment of cutaneous lupus is started it is important that the evaluation of the patients is done to determine and identify any signs of possible systemic disease. Such an initial evaluation is done by including a physical examination of the individual along with the history of the case. A CBC test, ANA, urinalysis and sedimentation rate tests should also be conducted.
The cornerstone of treatment of cutaneous lupus is avoiding sun exposure and using sunscreen agents. This is because these patients are extremely photosensitive. The most important purpose of treatment of cutaneous lupus erythematosus is improving the appearance of the patient and prevention of scarring. So if the lupus is drug induced then the medication responsible for it has to be identified and stopped. Nicotine is responsible for aggravating lupus so this should be stopped.
Cosmetic camouflage can be used so as to disguise plaques that are unsightly. Topical steroids in the form of ointments and creams may also be applied till the time the patches clear up. In some cases where the rashes are less severe a milder form of some topical steroid may be used. In some cases corticosteroid injections may also be used. Anti malarial tablets because of their anti inflammatory properties also help. In some cases oral steroids can also be prescribed. Some other options that may be used for severe cutaneous lupus include ciclosporin, methotrexate, acitretin, dapsone, ciclosporin, clofazamine and intravenous immunoglobulin.
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