Lupus Erythematosus - Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Definition

Lupus erythematosus is a condition of chronic inflammation caused by an autoimmune disease. Autoimmune diseases are illnesses that occur when the body's tissues are attacked by its own immune system. It can affect many parts of the body, including the joints, skin, kidneys, heart, lungs, blood vessels, and brain. Although people with the disease may have many different symptoms, some of the most common ones include extreme fatigue, painful or swollen joints, unexplained fever, skin rashes, and kidney problems. The most common symptoms include skin rashes and arthritis, often accompanied by fatigue and fever. The clinical course of this disease varies from mild to severe, and typically involves alternating periods of remission and relapse. Lupus is more common in women than men, and its peak incidence is after puberty. The reason for this disease is unknown.

Causes

1. The precise reason for the abnormal autoimmunity that causes lupus is not known.
2. Genetic factors increase the tendency of developing autoimmune diseases, and autoimmune diseases such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and immune thyroid disorders are more common among relatives of patients with lupus than the general population.
3. It appears that a viral or bacterial infection may trigger SLE in vulnerable people.
4. One of the three main forms of lupus which is called drug-induced lupus may result from the long-term use of certain prescription drugs.
5. Exposure to the sun may bring on lupus skin lesions in some people who are more susceptible to it.
6. Other reason may be the immune system is over-active and produces increased amounts of abnormal antibodies that attack the body's tissues and organs.

Symptoms

1. Lupus erythematosus symptoms may develop slowly over months or years or they may appear suddenly.
2. In lupus only the skin is involved. The skin rash in it often is found on the face and scalp. It usually is red and may have raised borders.
3. Almost all people with lupus erythematosus have joint pain and most develop arthritis. Frequently affected joints are the fingers, hands, wrists, and knees.
4. Other symptoms may include fever, Fatigue, general discomfort, uneasiness or ill feeling.

Treatment

1. No treatment cures systemic lupus erythematosus, but many therapies can suppress symptoms and relieve discomfort.
2. In patients presenting with fever, treating for an infection empirically may be necessary until culture results have been received.
3. The specific lesions of cutaneous lupus erythematosus occur on sun-exposed skin. In addition a significant proportion. So one should avoid over exposure of sun light especially direct.
4. Cosmetics can be used to minimize the impact of established lesions, camouflage cosmetics such as Covermark can efficiently minimize discoloration.
5. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen or naproxen can be used under a doctor’s prescription.
6. Antimalarial drugs for pleurisy, mild kidney involvement, and inflammation of the tissue surrounding the heart are also useful in this problem.
7. In severe cases the primary approach is to suppress the immune factors, most often first with corticosteroids and other immunosuppressant drugs. Investigative drugs and procedures are also showing promise.