Systemic lupus erythematosus or SLE is a non-infectious inflammatory disease caused by damage to tissues, organs and cells of the body with its own antibodies. Lupus, the symptoms of which are manifested in certain periods, is a serious illness of the immune system, during which the body’s own cells are perceived as foreign, and substances that damage the skin, blood vessels, and internal organs are produced. SLE is an incurable disease, but most people can control their symptoms with drugs and lead an active lifestyle.
Types of disease
Lupus erythematosus is a disease that has several types of clinical manifestations:
- Discoid - characterized by a benign clinical form. Redness appears on the face, legs, ears and other parts of the body. Moreover, redness smoothly passes into a "scaly" state of the skin. It is worth noting that in a small percentage of sick people with lupus erythematosus, damage to internal organs and tissues is observed.
- Systemic - has an acute form and severe course. In patients, multiple red spots are observed on the body, sometimes blisters and blisters form. Often there is a defeat of the internal organs - lungs, heart, liver and kidneys, as well as joints. This type of disease can develop in people aged 15–45 years.
- Drug-induced - caused by drugs and is characterized by some symptoms of lupus erythematosus (rash, arthritis, chest pain and fever). All symptoms usually disappear after discontinuation of the medication that triggered the disease.
- Neonatal lupus - mainly affects women and newborns with immune system disorders. In infants, the disease is expressed by a profuse rash, the heart and liver are affected. This type of lupus is a rare occurrence. Basically, the ongoing illness of the mother is not transmitted to the child.
Causes of the disease
Scientists have not yet established the causes that provoke the development of the disease. However, it is believed that the development of the disease is affected by: ultraviolet radiation, hereditary factors, infectious diseases (including influenza, acute respiratory infections or acute respiratory viral infections), hormonal disorders and some medications.
It is proved that the immune system of a person genetically predisposed to CRS is most susceptible to the effects of the listed factors causing the disease. And lupus caused by drugs is a rather rare occurrence and disappears immediately after their cancellation.
What happens during an illness
In a person with SLE, the immune system does not work properly. So, for example, a “healthy” immune system produces antibodies that help the body destroy viruses. And during the disease, the production of the same antibodies occurs, but they destroy healthy body cells. Subsequently, various systems and organs are affected, pain appears, and body temperature rises. Scientists have not yet established how damage and inflammation of the tissues of internal organs occurs. However, this phenomenon is currently an area of active research.
Lupus Symptoms
The disease proceeds in periods: symptoms can both appear and disappear. Usually, lupus, whose symptoms are intermittent, causes fatigue, pain and swelling of the joints, fever and skin rash. Sometimes stomatitis appears, there are problems with the heart, kidneys and lungs.
Let's look at the common symptoms of SLE.
- Pain and swelling of the joints.
- Fever, fever.
- Rashes on the face, mostly red.
- Chest pain.
- Unreasonable hair loss.
- Sensitivity to sunshine.
- Swelling of the legs.
- Pallor of the skin on the hands and feet.
Diagnosis of the disease
To confirm the disease, a comprehensive examination is carried out, which includes clinical, immunological and other studies. For the detection of SLE, the following analyzes are of particular importance: immunofluorescence examination of the affected skin; identification of characteristic changes in the blood and urine: the presence of LE cells, antibodies to native DNA and antinuclear antibodies.
Nevertheless, first of all, lupus erythematosus appears on the skin with persistent edematous plaques or erythema. These include: rosacea, lichen planus, polymorphic photodermatosis, sarcoidosis, facial granuloma, seborrheic dermatitis, etc.
Lupus, the symptoms of which are skin lesions, requires a doctor who, after all necessary laboratory tests, will make an accurate diagnosis and draw up a treatment plan. Skin lesions are one of the main criteria for the disease, however, when making a diagnosis yourself, you must be careful not to confuse this disease with other similar ones.
Disease treatment
Lupus, the symptoms of which we have already examined, should be treated only after the results of tests that will allow the doctor to determine the type of your disease. At the first symptoms, treatment of foci of inflammation with corticosteroid ointments is usually prescribed. To relieve joint and muscle pain, nonsteroidal drugs are used - Ibuprofen, Indomethacin, Brufen, salicylates - Aspirin.
In the chronic form, quinoline-type drugs are prescribed - “Chloroquine” or “Delagil”. The course of treatment is determined by the doctor. Their long-term use has side effects in the form of nausea, vomiting, headache, tinnitus and visual impairment.
All information provided is for reference only. Self-diagnosis and treatment entail irreparable consequences for your health.
Timely contact a medical institution, follow all the doctor’s instructions, follow the prescribed diet and avoid hypothermia and prolonged exposure to the sun. Remember, regular walks in the fresh air, wellness exercises and hardening are the key to your health and longevity!