Lupus rears its ugly head
in three forms
Systemic Lupus(SLE), Cutaneous Lupus, Drug-induced Lupus
Systemic
Lupus(SLE)
Systemic Lupus affects both the skin and/or
internal organs. It is the more common form of
lupus and accounts for 70 percent of all lupus
cases. In almost half of these cases, a major
organ will be affected. Among them:
Kidney – Half of all lupus sufferers kidneys can
get affected and can be life-threatening. Kidney
problems are more common in victims with
symptoms of fatigue, arthritis, rash, fever, and
weight loss.
Heart and Lungs – Inflammation is the root
cause of heart and lung involvement in lupus
sufferers. Patients may experience chest pain,
irregular heartbeat, and accumulation of fluid
around the lungs (pleuritis or pleurisy) and heart
(pericarditis). Shortness of breath when the
heart valves and the lung itself become affected
may also occur.
Blood – People with lupus may have dangerous
reductions in the number of red blood cells or
anemia, white blood cells that may cause
serious infection, or platelets – particles that
help clot the blood – or easy bruising or
bleeding.
Because many patients do not have symptoms
from low blood counts, it is important for
people with lupus to have periodic blood tests
in order to detect any problems.
People with lupus are also more prone to
clotting of the blood. Clots often occur in the
legs called deep venous thrombosis or (DVT)
and lungs (called pulmonary embolus or PE)
and occasionally in the brain (stroke).
Skin – Skin problems are a common feature of
lupus. Some people have a red rash over their
cheeks and the bridge of their nose – called a
“butterfly” or malar rash.