Frequently Asked Questions About Lupus

Lupus is a complex and chronic autoimmune disease. It causes the immune system to attack the body’s own tissues and can affect various parts, including the skin, joints and kidneys. Read on to find the answers to the most common questions about lupus.

Experts first described this condition in the Middle Ages. The word lupus is believed to come from “wolf” in Latin. It was so named because one of the possible manifestations of this disease is a butterfly-shaped erythema of the face, which resembles the scratching of a wolf.

Lupus is one of the most common rheumatic diseases. In fact, the incidence is increasing. Experts estimate that nearly 5 million people worldwide suffer from it. Below we answer the most frequently asked questions about lupus.

What is lupus?

As we mentioned above, lupus is an autoimmune disease. It causes the immune system to produce antibodies that attack its own tissue because it recognizes it as foreign.

This reaction causes an ongoing or chronic inflammation that damages tissues and organs. This is why experts also consider lupus to be a chronic inflammatory disease. However, it manifests itself in reality in the form of flares and asymptomatic periods.

There are different types of this disease:

• Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). This is the most common type and affects different parts of the body.

• Cut. This only affects the skin.
• Neonatal lupus. A mother with lupus can transmit the antibodies to her baby, which means they will develop the disease.
• Triggered by medication.

What Causes Lupus? Is it contagious?

Despite all the research that has been done, experts still do not know the exact cause of this disease. However, they know that it is not contagious or a cancerous disease, as some believe. But people who have a certain genetic predisposition can develop it due to external factors.

For example, it is known that some factors can trigger a flare-up. Sun exposure, certain infections and some medications are some of the most common.

Frequently Asked Questions: What are the most common symptoms of this disease?

Lupus is a clinically heterogeneous disease and the symptoms vary from person to person. In addition, it can affect virtually any organ and manifests itself in flares, which is why it is difficult to describe.

The most common symptoms of a flare-up are fever, weight loss, fatigue and joint pain. In fact, 95% of people with lupus report that they suffer from symmetrical joint or muscle pain in small joints, such as the fingers.

In cutaneous or skin lupus, the most common manifestation is a butterfly-shaped rash on the face. However, they can appear on different parts of the body. Exposure to too much sun usually aggravates them.

Here are the other related symptoms:

• Raynaud’s phenomenon
• Dry eyes
• Headache and impaired memory and orientation
• Shortness of breath

Is it a cure or treatment?

The truth is that there is no cure for this disease. However, experts have developed many treatments to prevent or reduce the damage caused by the disease and its symptoms.

For example, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs, corticosteroids and biological drugs are used. However, treatment must be individualized, depending on the type of lupus and the patient’s situation.

What you need to remember is that it is a very complex heterogeneous disease. Therefore, it is very important for you to consult a specialist if you have any questions and go to your doctor if you have symptoms.