Lupus erythematosus an autoimmune disease. Autoimmunity is a condition in which a body attacks and develops immunity to its own tissues and cells. This is because it fails recognize its own cells. The result of this is damage of body tissues and inflammation. Lupus erythematosus can be developed at any age. It is more common among women, especially among those who are of non- European descent.
Lupus erythematosus is a chronic disease and thus keeps recurring in the patient's body. It usually affects the heart, lungs, joints, kidneys, liver and the nervous system. However, this disease can affect any other part of the body as well.
The exact cause of Lupus erythematosus is still unknown. It may be a single disorder or the result of a group of diseases. It may be caused due to drug reaction, environmental causes or genetic predisposition. Lupus erythematosus may run in the family of a person. Environmental causes include the the use of certain antidepressants and antibiotics, infections and extreme stress. Lupus erythematosus which is developed due to the use of certain drugs occurs in people who are being treated for long-term diseases .
Dermatological symptoms of Lupus erythematosus are Alopecia, nasal, mouth and vaginal ulcers. The malar or butterfly rash is one of the most common symptoms of the disease. Lupus erythematosus usually causes joint pains, especially in the small joints of the hand and wrist. As many as half the patients suffering from Lupus erythematosus develop Anemia or iron deficiency. Lupus erythematosus may lead to an inflammation of the heart and lungs. Approximately 10% of the patients may have seizures or suffer from psychosis.Diagnosis of Lupus erythematosus is mostly done on the basis of anti-nuclear antibody testing. Anti-extractable nuclear antigen is the prime basis for testing lupus.
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Diagnosis is also done on the basis of tests which check renal function, electrolytes, liver enzymes, complement system levels and blood count.
Lupus erythematosus is a chronic disease. There is no complete cure for this disorder. Normally, the symptoms of the disease are treated. Immunosuppressants and corticosteroids are mainly used to treat Lupus erythematosus symptoms. This controls their intensity and the time periods for which they occur. Treatment of symptoms involve the use of drugs, lifestyle changes and alternative medicines. Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs or DMARDs are used to slow down the disease and treat some of its symptoms. arthritisxl.com provides information on arthritis and the causes, symptoms and treatment of Lupus erythematosus.
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