Brain and Spinal Chord – Brain
involvement is a rare problem in people with
lupus. But when present, it may cause
confusion, depression, seizures, and strokes
but rarely.
Involvement of the spinal cord (transverse
myelitis) can cause numbness and weakness.
"Bullous” lupus rash – this one is
uncommon but is a serious form of lupus
rash. Upon sun exposure large blisters may
occur.
Some sufferers may also experience hair
loss. Ten percent of people with Discoid
Lupus will go on to develop Systemic Lupus,
the more severe form of the disease.
Hair loss and mouth sores are also
common.
Cutaneous
Lupus
Cutaneous lupus affects the skin. And the
most common type of skin Lupus is Discoid
Lupus Erythematosus (DLE).
Discoid Lupus accounts for about 10 percent
of all lupus cases according to data from the
Lupus Research Institute. This type of
Lupus generally affects only the skin. Such
skin problems are large red, circular rashes
that may scar. Sores typically appear on the
face and scalp but can affect the skin
anywhere on the body.
Discoid Lupus sufferers are sensitive to
ultraviolet light, and should stay out of the
sun as sunlight aggravates these rashes.
The two types of rashes are:
Subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus
which mostly affects the arms, legs, and
torso. The rash often worsens after sun
exposure.
Drug-induced
Lupus
Drug-induced Lupus accounts for about 10
percent of all lupus cases and is caused by high
doses of certain medications like hydralazine
usually taken for High Blood Pressure or
congestive heart failure and procainamide — an
antiarrythmic usually taken to treat heart
problems can cause lupus.
The symptoms of drug-induced lupus are
similar to systemic lupus; however, symptoms
usually subside when the medications are
discontinued.