Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Clinical Manifestations

Written by Yang Ya Meng
Rheumatology
Updated on February 02, 2025
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The clinical manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus are diverse and variable. The primary symptoms involve the bones, joints, and muscles, with joint pain being a common presentation. The second major area affected is the skin and mucous membranes, where the most common symptoms are symmetrical butterfly-shaped erythema and discoid erythema on the face. Some patients experience kidney involvement, primarily presenting as significant proteinuria, hematuria, and cylindrical urine. Pulmonary involvement is also common in some patients, often manifesting as pleurisy. The digestive system can also be affected, typically presenting as abdominal pain. The hematological system is a very common site of involvement in lupus, mainly indicated by routine blood tests showing decreases in white blood cells and platelets.

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

Firstly, systemic lupus erythematosus is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes damage to multiple systems. Its occurrence is associated with factors such as genetics, environmental pollution, infections, and hormone levels. As an autoimmune disease, it cannot be completely cured. Treatment involves using medications to control symptoms, delay the onset of complications, reduce disability rates, and improve quality of life. This represents the comprehensive goals of its treatment. The first choice of treatment is corticosteroids. Once diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus, it is essential to conduct thorough examinations to assess the activity of the disease and the organs involved. Based on the activity of the disease and the organs affected, the dosage of treatment may vary.

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Written by Yang Ya Meng
Rheumatology
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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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What department should I go to for systemic lupus erythematosus?

Systemic lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune disease and can test positive for multiple antibodies, affecting various organs throughout the body. Its primary manifestations are damage to the skin, mucous membranes, and kidneys. The most common and characteristic symptom is the butterfly rash on the skin and mucous membranes. Some people may also experience facial rashes, blisters, and even chilblain-like changes. Such skin changes should be viewed with caution. Additionally, symptoms can include general weakness and low-grade fever. This condition requires formal treatment from a rheumatology and immunology department.

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Written by Li Jing
Rheumatology
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What should I do about hair loss from systemic lupus erythematosus?

First, systemic lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune disease characterized by multi-organ and multi-systemic damage, a systemic autoimmune disorder. It cannot be completely cured, but its symptoms can be managed and the progression of the disease can be controlled through medication. The main clinical manifestations include facial rashes, photosensitivity, Raynaud's phenomenon, fever, hair loss, etc. Therefore, in the treatment process of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, if there is an increase in hair loss, or if other symptoms such as photosensitivity and hair loss occur, it may be considered that the disease is active or recurring. At this time, it is necessary to go to the hospital for comprehensive tests such as blood routine, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), complement levels, and autoimmune antibodies to assess the condition. If the disease is active or recurring, an adjustment in the dosage of the treatment medications may be necessary.

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Written by Yang Ya Meng
Rheumatology
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What causes systemic lupus erythematosus?

Systemic lupus erythematosus mainly has four major causes: The first is related to the environment. Long-term exposure to sunlight, or living in a humid environment, may trigger the onset of systemic lupus erythematosus. Secondly, there is a certain genetic predisposition to systemic lupus erythematosus. If the parents have systemic lupus erythematosus, the probability of their offspring developing the disease is higher. Thirdly, systemic lupus erythematosus is also related to estrogen, which is why, clinically, lupus is more commonly seen in women of childbearing age and less often in men. Systemic lupus erythematosus is also associated with some specific infections, such as bacterial or viral infections, which may trigger a lupus flare-up.