Does lupus cause itchy skin?

Written by Zhang Lin
Rheumatology and Immunology Nephrology
Updated on September 25, 2024
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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.

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Written by Zhang Lin
Rheumatology and Immunology Nephrology
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What should I do about lupus joint pain?

In patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, most suffer from arthralgia. The joint pain caused by systemic lupus erythematosus is due to the deposition of immune complexes in the joint cavity, or inflammation of the blood vessels nourishing the joints. This primarily manifests as joint swelling and pain, and often occurs symmetrically. When joint pain occurs in lupus, in addition to corticosteroid therapy, we can also use non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) under the guidance of a doctor. These drugs can achieve good analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. However, patients with renal insufficiency should use these drugs with caution.

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Written by Liu Li Ning
Rheumatology
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Can early lupus nephritis be cured?

Early stage lupus nephritis does not have a cure. Some patients can achieve clinical remission by strictly adhering to a certain medication. Systemic lupus erythematosus can involve multiple systems and organs throughout the body. The kidneys are one of the most commonly affected target organs. Research shows that if systemic lupus erythematosus is diagnosed, performing a kidney biopsy will reveal lupus nephritis in almost 100% of the cases. The main treatment for lupus nephritis involves long-term maintenance with corticosteroids and immunosuppressants. Commonly used immunosuppressants include cyclophosphamide, mycophenolate mofetil, cyclosporine, azathioprine, and tacrolimus.

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Written by Liu Li Ning
Rheumatology
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Do the rashes caused by lupus itch?

The erythema triggered by lupus erythematosus may or may not be itchy, varying from person to person, with each individual's condition not being entirely the same. The erythema caused by systemic lupus erythematosus also presents very differently clinically, with the typical manifestation being a butterfly-shaped erythema on the face. Other common forms include discoid erythema, reticular purpura, polymorphic rash, periungual erythema, and more. The specific pathogenic mechanism is currently unclear, and in some patients, the condition is caused by photosensitivity. After treatment, the erythema cannot completely disappear in a significant number of patients, leaving some pigment deposition. If only the skin is affected, treatment can involve the topical use of tacrolimus ointment or the oral intake of immunomodulators like hydroxychloroquine, and if necessary, oral corticosteroids may be administered.

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Written by Zhang Lin
Rheumatology and Immunology Nephrology
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Can lupus be treated without steroids?

Hormones are currently the first choice of drugs for treating lupus erythematosus, and there are no other drugs that can replace them temporarily, so we still recommend using hormones for treatment. Hormones can quickly and effectively suppress the immune response, reducing the damage to the patient's body from the inflammatory substances released during the immune response. This kind of immune-suppressive and anti-inflammatory action is a protective therapeutic effect on the body. Although long-term use of large doses of hormones has certain side effects, it can quickly block the development of the disease and alleviate the condition. The function of hormones cannot be replaced by any other drug at present, so, no matter what stage the lupus erythematosus patients are in and regardless of the type of damage, hormones are the first choice of drugs. Hormones have many side effects, therefore, we need to use hormone drugs for treatment rationally and standardized under the guidance of a doctor, and should not take them arbitrarily to avoid serious consequences.

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Written by Zhang Lin
Rheumatology and Immunology Nephrology
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What causes lupus erythematosus?

The cause of lupus erythematosus is not yet very clear. It is generally believed that the disease is caused by a combination of factors including genetics, environment, estrogen levels, and drugs, leading to immune disorder and consequently the onset of this disease. Studies have found that factors directly related to the onset of lupus erythematosus include ultraviolet rays causing apoptosis of epidermal cells, exposure of new antigens becoming autoantigens, and infections; Other possible related factors include drugs such as hydralazine and isoniazid, as well as food dyes, hair dyes, celery, figs, mushrooms, smoked foods, psychological stress, etc.; it may also be related to factors such as tobacco, vinyl chloride, asbestos, and vaccinations.