What are the first signs?

The wolf-shaped facial rash characteristic of lupus. The most suggestive symptom of systemic lupus erythematosus is a rash on the face, appearing during a flare-up of the disease. These red plaques predominate on areas of skin exposed to the sun (photosensitivity).

What are the pains of lupus?

Joint pain and inflammation (arthritis) are very common. They mainly affect the fingers, hands, shoulders and knees. But unlike rheumatoid arthritis (RA), lupus rarely destroys the joints.

Causes & Network

The immune system is a complex network of organs, tissues, and cells. For reasons we still don’t know (perhaps environmental, hormonal and genetic factors), the body makes antibodies that attack its own healthy tissue.

Disease Evolution

Lupus is characterized by alternating flare-ups and periods of remission. Flare-ups involve abnormal antibodies attacking the body, while remission can last for weeks, months, or years.

Formerly “systemic lupus erythematosus,” it affects many parts of the body. A person might experience joint pain, skin rashes, and kidney issues simultaneously.

Limited to the skin. Manifests as well-limited, symmetrical patches on the face or scalp. It can leave unsightly permanent scars, making urgent treatment necessary.

Exclusively affects the skin on the face. Treatments like UV protection and antimalarials help improve appearance and prevent new lesions.

Triggered by medications like doxycycline, Bactrim®, or beta-blockers. Symptoms usually go away when the medication is stopped.

Linked to anti-SSA or SSB antibodies in the mother affecting the fetus. A baby may have a rash or liver issues, which usually resolve over time.

Forms limited strictly to skin rashes and sun sensitivity without internal organ involvement.

Other Symptoms

Hair loss, blurred vision, dry eyes, Raynaud’s disease (blue fingers/toes in cold), hives, headaches, seizures, blood clots (thrombosis), and kidney damage (detected by urine tests). Includes susceptibility to infections and Anemia.

Drug treatments

Immunoglobulin infusions: Obtained from donor blood. They neutralize auto-antibodies and are reserved for cases resistant to other treatments like corticosteroids.

Pain medications: Acetaminophen (Tylenol®) and NSAIDs (ibuprofen) ease joint pain. However, severe lupus patients should avoid over-the-counter painkillers as they increase kidney damage risk.

Corticosteroids (Prednisone): Used since the 1960s to reduce inflammation. Long-term use side effects include bruising, mood swings, diabetes, cataracts, high blood pressure, and osteoporosis.

Anti-malarial drugs: Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil®) and chloroquine (Aralen®) treat joint pain, swelling, and skin rashes. They are also used to prevent sun damage and relapses.

Immunosuppressants: Used when prednisone fails or for kidney/nervous system involvement. Examples include cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan®), azathioprine (Imuran®), mycophenolate mofetil (Cellcept®), and belimumab (Benlysta).