In this article, we consider the symptoms and causes of lupus erythematosus.
Skin diseases can occur in people quite often and usually they manifest as extensive symptoms. Nature with causal factors that give rise to these phenomena, often remain the objects of many long-standing disputes among scientists. One of the pathologies, which has an interesting nature of its origin, is lupus erythematosus. Symptoms of the disease are characteristic.
General information about the disease
Lupus erythematosus is a systemic disease. This ailment is a serious diffuse deviation associated with the functioning of connective tissues. Pathology is manifested in skin lesions of a systemic nature. The disease has autoimmune properties against which antibodies (which are produced in the immune system) of healthy cellular elements are affected. Such processes lead to damage to the connective tissue.
Consider in more detail the symptoms of lupus erythematosus. What is this disease?
This disease got its name due to the fact that it is characterized by the manifestation of certain symptoms, the main of which is a rash on the face. Such a rash can be localized in different areas. The resulting skin lesions in this disease resemble externally wolf bites. Lupus is a common disease. Its essence is reduced to certain features of the body's perception of its cells.
Symptoms of lupus erythematosus in women are somewhat different.
History of pathology
People have been ill with lupus erythematosus for a long time, but only in the century before last one French dermatologist named Laurent Beet turned his attention to a peculiar ailment of the facial skin and described a number of its signs. Forty-five years later, the Hungarian doctor Moritz Kaposi noted that lupus erythematosus leads not only to skin lesions, but also to inflammation of the internal organs. Further, a little later, an English doctor William Osler made an important observation regarding the fact that lupus can pass without manifestations on the skin.
Sixty years ago, scientists discovered the so-called "Le-cells", which are specific components of lupus erythematosus. A little later, antibodies became known to science, the activity of which is directed against its own body. All these discoveries formed the basis for creating sensitivity tests to diagnose symptoms of lupus erythematosus.
Types of disease
Today, science divides this disease into several types. Thus, lupus erythematosus can occur in several forms, for example:
- Dosage form of pathology.
- Discoid type of disease.
- The systemic form of the disease.
- Tuberculosis type.
The first two species may occur without any reason. In this regard, it is important to note that today the full forms of manifestations of this ailment are still unknown. Scientists so far only suggest that the main cause of the pathology lies in viruses and, in addition, can be exacerbated by a genetic predisposition.
The dosage form of the disease occurs due to the prolonged use of a variety of drugs that are prescribed to patients as part of the fight against arrhythmia. This variety of the disease is expressed in the form of skin redness. In addition, patients begin to complain about the symptoms of arthritis.
We continue to consider the symptoms and causes of systemic lupus erythematosus.
The discoid type is the appearance of round redness, which can peel off and scarring. Often, such redness is in the hairline of a person, and in addition, on the neck and back. This kind of disease can sometimes take an erosive and ulcerative form. It is usually formed in the oral mucosa or within the lips. In the event that the disease is not treated, small ulcers will begin to merge, increasing in size. After the fight against the disease, there is a risk of noticeable defects. True, this form of lupus does not harm internal organs. Diagnose the discoid type of the disease by conducting a histological examination, which always accurately confirms the diagnosis. Thanks to such a study, the doctor will not be able to confuse this pathology, for example, with psoriasis or lichen. Symptoms of lupus erythematosus are shown in the photo.
The systemic form is usually expressed in the deformation of the joints, muscles with internal organs can also suffer. In this case, the pathology has a rheumatic character and often causes damage to the connective tissue. In order for the disease to begin to progress, the patient needs only a little overheating in the sun.
The tuberculous form is considered chronic, and at the same time a progressive pathology. In this case, the patient’s signals will appear on the nose, neck, limbs and lips. The causes of the disease are considered injuries, after which latent infections appear. Lupons, which are small tubercles with a red or brown shining surface, can appear on the skin. After a while, they usually begin to peel off. Over time, lupons can grow, expanding and forming plaques, and then tumors that pass into skin cancer. In the event that the pathology is treated, cicatricial atrophy will occur, in which later foci of lupons will again appear. Next, we will examine the causes of the development of this disease.
Symptoms of lupus erythematosus and causes
In the photo you can see the characteristic signs of the disease. It refers to complex diseases. There is an opinion that various viruses cause this disease, which provoke measles along with the flu “A” and “B”. They belong to paramyxoviruses, which change the human immunity. True, this assumption has not yet been proved. In addition to this, there are a number of different factors that cause lupus. First of all, this is a genetic predisposition along with the environment and the hormonal state of the body.
But it is worth emphasizing that the exact cause of this pathology has not yet been found. Typically, the causes of the onset of the disease in patients are different. For example, stress, an otolaryngological disease, and hormonal changes in the body due to pregnancy can provoke this disease. It can also be related to sexual formation, menopause, or abortion. Mostly genetics, according to scientists, is a key factor for the development of this pathology. But, however, the lupus gene itself is still not detected. These are the main alleged causes of lupus erythematosus. Symptoms in the photo can be seen.
While it is believed that this disease as such is not inherited, but in the event that someone in the family was ill with it, the probability of getting sick is quite high. In particular, this risk increases when a close relative was treated for this ailment. Science cannot yet prove that the cause of the pathology lies solely in human genes. Scientists make the assumption that the development of lupus is often affected by solar radiation along with stress, a variety of drugs and viruses. It is also noted that lupus is not an infectious or contagious disease, it is not attributed to oncology, nor is it related to immunodeficiency syndrome.
More symptoms of lupus erythematosus are presented below.
What are the signs of a disease?
There are certain signs of lupus, which can be weak or severe. It all depends on the degree of organ damage. Some signs of the disease may appear, and then disappear sharply. A specific rash characteristic of this ailment usually occurs on the nose, and cheeks may also appear. True, red rashes can be observed everywhere, it often happens on the face, hands and chest.
Main symptoms
As a rule, the following symptoms of lupus erythematosus are observed in patients:
- Observation of swelling on the joints.
- The appearance of pain in the muscles.
- Feeling tired.
- The appearance of fever for no reason.
- The appearance of rashes on the face along with a sharp change in skin color.
- The appearance of pain during breathing.
- Observation of excessive hair loss.
- Significant susceptibility to the rays of the sun.
- Swelling of the legs or swelling around the eyes.
- Observation of swollen lymph nodes.
Symptoms and treatment of lupus erythematosus are of interest to many. The above symptoms are incomplete, but it is mainly from them that it is possible to recognize this disease on time. Some patients also have severe migraines along with pallor, anemia, dizziness, and seizures. Other symptoms can be detected several years after diagnosis. In most cases, patients with a diagnosis of lupus erythematosus suffer from manifestations of the disease in various parts of the body. This pathology affects various organs and often has a multi-organ character, in which the following organs are involved:
- Kidneys may be affected. Acute inflammation can complicate their function. This reduces the efficiency of the removal of toxic substances from the human body. Lupus reduces renal function. The process is treated medically in order to reduce the risk of serious damage to this organ. Determine the degree of damage using a urinalysis. What are the symptoms of lupus erythematosus in women, the photo is clearly shown.
- The nervous system also suffers. A significant portion of patients may experience brain damage. The disease gives rise to migraines along with dizziness, memory problems, eyesight, paralysis, psychosis and convulsions. Often, such symptoms occur during treatment, and at the same time due to the horror of this diagnosis.
- Symptoms of lupus erythematosus in men manifest in exactly the same way. Blood vessels, which are often inflamed, can also be damaged. In this case, vasculitis may occur, which slows down the passage of blood. As a result of this, deep vein thrombosis of the extremities occurs.
- Patients with lupus erythematosus suffer from anemia, and, in addition, leukemia. This disease can cause a decrease in platelets.
- Often there may be inflammation of the arteries along with myocarditis, endocarditis and severe chest pain.
- Patients often suffer from pneumonia. Lupus can cause pneumonitis and shortness of breath with cough.
Symptoms and causes of lupus erythematosus in women are not fully understood.
Diagnosis of the disease
An accurate diagnosis of this disease can only be made by a doctor after performing a series of laboratory tests. If, during the study, the patient found significantly the content of LE cells in the blood, this means that he has lupus. Such cells are found in most cases. In addition, the diagnosis of this disease is quite difficult. Often, it takes years to confirm a diagnosis. Signs of pathology seen before manifest themselves in different periods in their own way. Thus, in order to make a correct diagnosis, it takes time.
The diagnostic process itself is individual for each patient. The doctor cannot, for a specific sign, accurately announce the final diagnosis. First, it is required that the patient inform the attending physician a detailed history of his illness. Observations of the patient are very important for the diagnosis process. Then, the specialist will compare the information received with the examination and the results of laboratory testing with other diseases similar to lupus. Only after this, the doctor will be able to confirm his guesses and announce the exact diagnosis.
Unfortunately, to date, scientists have not yet developed any specific test in order to quickly determine the presence of lupus erythematosus. But laboratory tests, along with a detailed medical history and a number of signs, help specialists speed up the diagnosis process.
Signs of lupus as part of the diagnosis
Usually, in the process of diagnosis, doctors pay attention to the following symptoms:
- In the presence of lupus, the zygomatic part in patients may be covered with red rashes.
- The presence of a disk-like rash.
- Excessive susceptibility to sunlight over a short time interval.
- The appearance of mouth ulcers.
- The appearance of inflammation along with swelling of the joints.
- The presence of sharp and baseless psychoses and convulsions.
- The presence of kidney inflammation.
- Immune system disorders.
According to these criteria, rheumatologists usually distinguish lupus from other diseases with similar symptoms. To make a diagnosis, it is sufficient for the patient to have at least four of the above criteria. In addition, experts take into account additional symptoms in the form of a sharp weight loss, increased hair loss and unexplained fever.
Raynaud's syndrome may occur spontaneously in patients with lupus erythematosus, when people change the color of the skin on the fingers and nose. Among other things, the doctor should pay attention to the general condition of the patient, to the presence of weakness, decreased appetite, to the presence of pain in the abdomen. In any case, the patient is advised to cooperate with the doctor dough, not hiding any particular features of their health. It is required to report all uncomfortable sensations, and in addition, changes in the body.
Symptoms and treatment of lupus erythematosus (the photo we presented) should be constantly monitored by a doctor.
Treatment
If the patient consults a doctor on time, the treatment will be effective. It should immediately be emphasized that the tactics of the fight against lupus are strictly individual. The disease may change during treatment. The beginning of the diagnosis along with the treatment process involves the application of common efforts on the part of the patient and a huge circle of doctors. During treatment, the patient will have to visit specialists of various profiles. Before determining the treatment, such nuances as age, symptoms, living conditions of the patient and the general state of his health are taken into account. Typically, specialists develop a plan with the following objectives:
- Prevention of sharp and serious exacerbations.
- Minimize the risks of complications.
- Conducting an effective treatment.
But in case the patient had an exacerbation, hospital treatment is required under the close supervision of a doctor. If a clinical examination shows that the patient has articular signs of pathology, the doctor will prescribe salicylates along with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Such drugs as Indomethacin and Analgin will be prescribed. These medicines should be taken until the joint pain subsides.
Patients with a milder form of lupus should take medications that lower the response to ultraviolet radiation. In complex cases of the disease, doctors prescribe hormonal anti-inflammatory drugs. Against the background of such treatment, the patient needs to stay away from surgery, overheating, vaccinations, and also can not be cold. When lupus affects organs, doctors usually prescribe various medications to protect them. As a rule, cortisone therapy is prescribed along with the plasmapheresis procedure.
What are the symptoms of lupus erythematosus in women?
Possible complications
Lupus erythematosus is an ailment that everyone has their own way. In this regard, you need to be prepared for the fact that the complications will be very diverse. Thus, everything directly depends on the degree of damage to the organs, and in addition, on the severity of the disease itself and its stage at which the patient turned to the doctor. The main part of these or other complications usually relates to the kidneys. In addition to the kidneys, vessels with the hematopoietic system also suffer. Therefore, if you have the first symptoms, you must urgently consult a doctor. Otherwise, the treatment will be ineffective, and lupus can cause serious harm to the body.
We examined the symptoms, causes, treatment of lupus erythematosus.
Preventative measures
Primary prevention is aimed at identifying risk groups. Specialists carry out a series of examinations of the relatives of those patients who have lupus. In the event that in the process the doctor finds at least the slightest sign in someone, a preventive regimen similar to that observed by a lupus patient will be prescribed. Secondary preventive measures are aimed at preventing exacerbation of the disease.Treatment should be timely. The patient must follow the doctor's instructions, adhering to the prescribed diet, eating little sweet and salty foods.
You can see the symptoms in the photo, and the causes of lupus erythematosus in women are described in detail in the article to the extent that they are studied.
Thus, this pathology is currently referred to diseases that have not yet been studied in detail. Nowadays, this disease is classified as an autoimmune disease based on a genetic predisposition. Pathology is not contagious and does not cause any harm to others. It cannot be inherited, but there is a great risk of getting it if someone in the family has already suffered from this disease. Treatment of pathology in each patient is different. Doctors are unable to quickly diagnose this disease, but in order to speed up the treatment process, the patient must work closely with a specialist.
The article describes in detail lupus erythematosus. Symptoms and causes of its occurrence are also presented.