Lupus erythematosus called a chronic disease of connective tissue and blood vessels, which is genetically caused by malfunctions in the processes of regulation of the body's immune system. This is a very serious disease in which the human immune system, while perceiving its own cells as foreign, fights them by producing substances that damage the blood vessels, skin, joints, internal organs.
Lupus erythematosus is of two forms: chronic (discoid), which is a benign clinical form, and acute (systemic), which is characterized by a severe course. This disease is not common, it accounts for 0.25 to 1% of skin diseases, and among women there are more cases than among men. This fact is explained by the activity of the endocrine glands, since the occurrence of relapses and manifestations of a severe course are more often observed before menstruation or after childbirth.
Lupus - the causes of the disease
Modern medicine does not have a clear answer to the question about the causes of lupus. It is believed that the main role in this belongs to hereditary factors, viruses, ultraviolet radiation and some drugs, and that the immune system of patients with lupus is characterized by a stronger genetic susceptibility to external factors. Lupus erythematosus is a very rare occurrence, and after taking medication it stops on its own.
Lupus - Symptoms
Symptoms of lupus can either appear or disappear. Periods of increased symptoms are called relapses, or exacerbations. The periods when the patient feels relatively well are called remission.
The usual symptoms of lupus are represented by a feeling of fatigue, pain and swelling in the joints (arthritis), fever and a rash on the skin (as a rule, the appearance of such a rash is activated after sun exposure). Also, the disease can manifest itself as stomatitis, causing mouth ulcers, hair loss. With its further development, some patients experience problems with the work of the heart, lungs, kidneys, blood cells or the nervous system.
Lupus - diagnosis
In the presence of foci of lupus erythematosus on the skin, the diagnosis is not difficult to make. However, a clinical examination should be accompanied by additional research methods (histological, immunomorphological, luminescent diagnostics), so as not to confuse chronic lupus erythematosus with lichen planus and lupus tuberculosis. If lesions are localized on the red border of the lips, then lupus should be differentiated from diseases such as actinic cheilitis and abrasive precancerous cheilitis of Manganotti.
In acute (systemic) lupus erythematosus, the basis for the diagnosis are detectable skin lesions and the condition of internal organs, as well as “lupus erythematosus cells” found in blood and bone marrow punctures. For many patients with lupus erythematosus, secondary immunodeficiency is characteristic.
Lupus - treatment and prevention
For the treatment of lupus, the treatment of rashes with corticosteroid ointments in the area of rashes is used. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed to relieve joint or muscle pain and fever. Antimalarial drugs are also used to reduce fatigue and joint pain, as well as eliminate skin rashes.
In the absence of the effect of taking other drugs, the doctor prescribes corticosteroids. However, given their powerful medicinal effect and the possibility of serious side effects, their dose should be as low as possible, however, capable of providing the desired effect.
Also, your doctor may recommend other medications that reduce the activity of the immune system.
The main condition for the successful treatment of lupus erythematosus and the prevention of relapse is constant contact between the patient and the doctor, who must be informed in case of changes in the patient’s health status and the appearance of new symptoms.
