Does lupus erythematosus transmit through living and eating together?

Written by Liu Li Ning
Rheumatology
Updated on November 21, 2024
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Lupus erythematosus is not contagious through sharing meals or living together. It is an autoimmune disease, not an infectious one, hence it cannot be transmitted to others by living or eating together. The exact mechanism of lupus is currently unclear, but it may be related to various factors such as sex hormones, genetics, infections, and physical and chemical factors, and it is more commonly seen in females. Clinically common symptoms include fever, rash, joint pain, oral ulcers, hair loss, etc. The clinical manifestations vary depending on the affected target organ. If lupus nephritis occurs, symptoms such as edema can appear. If the lungs are involved, it can promote pulmonary interstitial fibrosis, and in severe cases, patients may experience chest tightness, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties.

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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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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.

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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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For lupus, register under the department of Rheumatology.

Patients with lupus should visit the Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, as lupus is a clinically complex autoimmune disease. Many people think that lupus is a skin disease, but this is not the case. Lupus is a rheumatic and immunological disease, belonging to the category of rheumatic immunological diseases, and is an uncommon autoimmune disease.

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Written by Liu Li Ning
Rheumatology
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How long will the skin itch in the early stages of lupus erythematosus?

The duration of itching in the early stages of lupus erythematosus is not fixed. It is not certain that early-stage lupus erythematosus will cause itching. Some patients may experience itching, which can subside on its own, but it tends to recur. Additionally, some patients may have itching due to allergies, which can result in rashes accompanied by itching. It is possible to check immunoglobulin E to see if there are any allergic factors present. If allergies are involved, treatment can include antihistamines or corticosteroids, or topical calamine lotion can be used to relieve symptoms. Besides affecting the skin, early-stage lupus erythematosus can also cause symptoms such as oral ulcers and arthritis in many patients.