Systemic lupus erythematosus is not contagious.

Written by Li Jing
Rheumatology
Updated on September 11, 2024
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Firstly, systemic lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune disease with an unclear cause. It can affect multiple organs including the heart, lungs, and kidneys. It is classified as an autoimmune disease and not a contagious one, so there is no need to worry about it spreading. However, this condition does have a certain genetic predisposition. For instance, if parents have systemic lupus erythematosus, then their offspring have a relatively higher chance of developing the condition compared to families without a history of the disease. Being an autoimmune disease, it cannot be cured but can only be managed with medications such as corticosteroids to control the progression of the disease. Therefore, during the course of steroid treatment, it is vital to prevent infections. Finally, it is important to emphasize once again that systemic lupus erythematosus is not contagious and does not pose a risk of transmission, so everyone can be reassured.

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Written by Yang Ya Meng
Rheumatology
49sec home-news-image

Can people with systemic lupus erythematosus drink alcohol?

Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus are advised not to drink alcohol as it can damage the gastric mucosa. Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus often need to use corticosteroids for a long duration due to their condition, and prolonged use of corticosteroids can also harm the gastric mucosa. Therefore, drinking alcohol while using corticosteroids can easily lead to complications such as gastric ulcers, gastric bleeding, or even severe complications like hemorrhagic shock. Hence, it is recommended that lupus patients abstain from alcohol to protect their stomachs. By not consuming alcohol during corticosteroid treatment, the risk to the stomach can be significantly reduced.

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Written by Li Jing
Rheumatology
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Can systemic lupus erythematosus be cured?

Systemic lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune disease and is chronic. The cause of the disease is mostly unclear, but studies have shown that it is related to genetics, environmental pollution, viral infections, hormone levels, and other factors. As an autoimmune disease, it cannot be completely cured. The main purpose of treatment is to control symptoms, delay the onset of complications, and improve the quality of life. The preferred treatment involves corticosteroids. The dosage should be adjusted according to the condition; after stabilizing, the dosage should gradually be reduced to a small maintenance dose. It is important to continue the medication even during maintenance therapy, as discontinuing the medication can lead to a recurrence of the disease. Additionally, chilling, fatigue, infection, and sun exposure can all trigger the activity of lupus, so it is important to be cautious in daily life. (Please use medication under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Li Jing
Rheumatology
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How to Treat Systemic Lupus Erythematosus?

Firstly, systemic lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune disease that commonly occurs in women of childbearing age. It is an autoimmune disease that cannot be cured but can only be managed with medications to alleviate symptoms, delay complications, and control the progression of the disease. Once diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus, it is necessary to score the disease activity to assess whether other organs are involved. The treatment of this disease primarily involves the use of corticosteroids, which should be calculated based on body weight. Initially, an adequate dose of corticosteroids should be administered. After stabilizing the disease for a month, the dosage should be reduced weekly. During the medication period, it is necessary to regularly monitor blood routine, liver and kidney function, complement levels, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate. (Please take medication under the guidance of a professional physician and do not self-medicate.)

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Written by Yang Ya Meng
Rheumatology
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Can systemic lupus erythematosus be cured?

Systemic lupus erythematosus is difficult to cure completely as it is a chronic disease that requires long-term, lifelong medication. The most basic drugs used to treat systemic lupus erythematosus are corticosteroids. Hydroxychloroquine is also a basic treatment for systemic lupus erythematosus, but it is necessary to rule out contraindications such as retinal problems before use. Some patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, if they also have kidney or lung involvement, may need to consider treatment with immunosuppressants after using corticosteroids. Commonly used immunosuppressants include mycophenolate mofetil and cyclophosphamide. (Medication should be taken under the guidance of a physician.)

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Written by Yang Ya Meng
Rheumatology
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Systemic lupus erythematosus symptoms

The symptoms of systemic lupus erythematosus mainly include fever, oral ulcers, facial erythema, including discoid and malar rash, photosensitivity, joint pain, polyserositis, including pleural effusion and pericardial effusion, as well as kidney involvement. The main manifestations are positive urinary protein, hematuria, and casts in the urine. Severe cases may have neurological involvement, presenting as epilepsy, mental disorders, or altered consciousness. Blood tests in these patients can further reveal positive ANA, anti-double-stranded DNA, and anti-Sm antibodies, as well as low complement levels. These are the related symptoms of systemic lupus erythematosus.