Types of Lupus: An Overview

Lupus is an incurable autoimmune disease; the symptoms may be mild or severe. There are numerous dissimilar forms of lupus which can cause inflammation and damage of the various body parts of the body such as the skin, joints and internal organs. According to the Lupus Foundation of America, more than 90 percent of cases occur in women during the child bearing years. Genetics, as well as environment play a critical role in the development of lupus, but the exact cause of the disorder isn't known.

Types of Lupus

Cutaneous Lupus Erythematous (CLE)

Cutaneous Lupus Erythematous normally affects the skin by causing a rough, raised rash. The most common rash associated with CLE is the butterfly rash that spreads across the cheeks and over the bridge of the nose. The rash gets its name because the rash does appear in the shape of butterfly wings across the face.

Discoid Lupus Erythematosus

Discoid Lupus Erythematosus is characterized by a persistent skin condition which results in rounded red patches which may be thick and scaly. The rashes can occur anywhere on the body and they can also leave scars. Discoid Lupus mainly involves the skin; however, some people can also suffer from systemic lupus.

Drug induced Lupus Erythematosus

Drug induced lupus occurs as a response to certain drugs. The most common culprits of drug induced lupus are anti-seizure medicines and also acne, thyroid and blood pressure medications. Certain drugs, such as birth control pills and antibiotics) used in conjunction with certain blood pressure medications can also cause drug induce lupus. The symptoms of drug induced Lupus Erythematosus usually fade away within 6 months of stopping the causative medications. The symptoms generally include rash, fever and inflammation of the pericardium (pericarditis). The pericardium is the sac that encases the heart.

Neonatal Lupus

Neonatal Lupus is an unusual form of lupus that occurs in infants which were born from mothers having lupus. The symptoms of Neonatal Lupus usually fade away after several months. The symptoms of Neonatal Lupus include skin rashes, liver problems, low blood cell counts. The disease is thought to be caused by antibodies passed from the mother to the fetus. Neonatal Lupus can also occur in babies born from women that don't have the disease. Though most babies recover from Neonatal Lupus in a matter of months, the condition may rarely cause problems with the baby's heart.

Subacute Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus (SCLE)

Subacute Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus is just like Discoid Lupus. People having SCLE may experience widespread rashes on the body. Areas of the body exposed to the sun are the areas most likely to have rashes. SCLE rarely leaves scars on the body.

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus is severe and is involves the entire body. Systemic lupus can cause high blood pressure and pulmonary hypertension of the lungs. The brain, nervous system and kidneys can also be affected. The symptoms of SLE may differ from person to person. The symptoms may be mild or life threatening. The disease may develop unexpectedly or it may develop slowly over the course of a few years. The person with SLE may experience unexplained aches and pains and lack of energy. The initial symptoms of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus include swollen, painful joints, extreme fatigue, fever and rashes. The rashes may cover any part of the body, but on the face the butterfly rash is quite noticeable.

Conclusion

It can be devastating to get the news that you have lupus. Due to the chronic nature of the disease, many people may not get a diagnosis for a long time. Oftentimes, people don't know they have lupus until the symptoms are significant enough to cause them to see their physicians. The symptoms of lupus may come and go with some people. For a time, they may be in remission and other times they may experience flares, where the symptoms become significant.

It can be discouraging when a person has symptoms and hasn't been diagnosed. Oftentimes, the person feels a great sense of relief when he/she finally is given a diagnosis. They feel like finally someone listened to them and gave them a name for the condition causing them such pain and discomfort.

If you have Lupus, it is important that you have regular checkups with your doctor. Don't' be afraid to ask your doctor questions. Whenever you have a question, write it down so you won't forget it when you see your doctor. There is also a lot of information on the Internet about the various forms of lupus. For more information about Lupus visit the Lupus Foundation of America.

Sources:

Lupus Foundation of America

Web MD