Lupus is what disease?

Written by Zhang Lin
Rheumatology and Immunology Nephrology
Updated on September 12, 2024
00:00
00:00

Lupus erythematosus, also known as systemic lupus erythematosus, is a chronic autoimmune disease involving multiple systems and organs. Patients' serum contains various autoantibodies, with the main pathological changes being inflammatory reactions and vascular abnormalities. Most patients exhibit butterfly-shaped erythema on the bridge of the nose and cheeks, which is the most characteristic manifestation of lupus erythematosus. The clinical presentations of systemic lupus erythematosus are diverse, generally characterized by the "four multiples": involvement of multiple systems, multiple organs, multiple autoantibodies, and a higher prevalence among women of childbearing age. Without proper and effective treatment, the mortality rate is high, with the main causes of death being infections, renal failure, and damage to the central nervous system.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhang Lin
Rheumatology and Immunology Nephrology
51sec home-news-image

Is lupus contagious?

Lupus erythematosus is not contagious. The occurrence of lupus erythematosus is related to genetic factors, the levels of sex hormones in the body, and certain environmental factors that the body is exposed to. It is the combined effect of these factors that lowers the body's immune tolerance, causing disorder in immune function, and thus leading to this autoimmune disease. Therefore, unlike diseases caused by various pathogens, it cannot be transmitted from person to person. When normal individuals come into contact with patients, there is no need to fear contagion or to isolate the patients. During the remission and stable phases of the disease, lupus patients can engage in regular work, study, and participate in social activities just like healthy individuals.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Jing
Rheumatology
55sec home-news-image

What causes lupus erythematosus?

Firstly, systemic lupus erythematosus is a chronic, multi-systemic, systemic autoimmune disease that commonly occurs in women of childbearing age, more frequently seen in females, with a significantly higher incidence rate in females than in males. The cause is currently unclear, only indicating that experts believe it is related to environmental pollution, viral infections, hormone levels, genetics, etc., but there is no definitive evidence proving which factors it is related to, only stating that there are studies linking it to these factors. Its clinical manifestations also vary, with most cases having a gradual onset, characterized by recurrent erythema, even pustules, Raynaud's phenomenon, etc. A minority of patients may have a sudden onset, primarily presenting with major hematologic damage.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhang Lin
Rheumatology and Immunology Nephrology
1min 7sec home-news-image

Does lupus cause itchy skin?

The rash in patients with lupus erythematosus is generally not noticeably itchy. In patients with lupus erythematosus, the characteristic changes include a butterfly-shaped rash on the bridge of the nose and cheeks. The skin lesions of lupus erythematosus include photosensitivity, hair loss, erythema on the palms and soles and around the nails, discoid lupus, nodular erythematosus, seborrheic dermatitis, livedo reticularis, and Raynaud's phenomenon, among others. Generally, there is no noticeable itching. If significant itching occurs, it suggests an allergy. Itchy rash after immunosuppressive treatment should be monitored for fungal infections. Lupus patients receiving steroid and immunosuppressive therapy, if experiencing unexplained localized skin burning, may be showing early signs of herpes zoster and should seek prompt medical attention at a hospital.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Liu Li Ning
Rheumatology
1min home-news-image

What is lupus and is it serious?

Lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune disease, which can be very severe in some cases and mild in others. For example, cutaneous lupus erythematosus generally does not involve major organs and usually presents with mild symptoms, primarily affecting the skin and mucous membranes. However, systemic lupus erythematosus can affect significant organs like the kidneys and heart in many patients, often leading to severe medical conditions. Especially, patients with rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis and those with coronary atherosclerotic heart disease tend to have a higher mortality rate. If systemic lupus erythematosus is diagnosed, it is crucial to receive standardized treatment early. Typically, treatment involves long-term maintenance with corticosteroids and immunosuppressants to control the progression of the disease and reduce the likelihood of mortality.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhang Lin
Rheumatology and Immunology Nephrology
1min home-news-image

How is lupus treated?

The treatment of lupus erythematosus mainly involves the following aspects: Firstly, mild patients can be treated with antimalarial drugs, such as chloroquine or hydroxychloroquine, thalidomide, and low-dose corticosteroids; moderate active patients can receive individualized treatment with corticosteroids, and immunosuppressants may be used when necessary; for severe patients, corticosteroids are the preferred treatment, combined with immunosuppressants such as cyclophosphamide. Secondly, for lupus crisis patients, treatment can involve immunoglobulin, high-dose corticosteroid pulse therapy. Thirdly, biologics, such as anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies, plasmapheresis, and autologous stem cell transplantation, are also used clinically. Medication for treating lupus erythematosus should be used under the guidance of a doctor, and self-medication should be avoided to prevent serious consequences.