1. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), the form of the disease most people call "lupus." It ranges from a mild to serious disorder, affecting almost any system or organ in the body. Sometimes, symptoms may be fatigue and joint pain, other times the skin, lungs, kidneys, blood or other organs are involved. No two people suffering from SLE will show exactly the same symptoms, and diagnosing the disease can be very difficult. People with this disease experience "flares" of symptoms, and periods of remission.
2. Discoid lupus erythematosus mainly involves a red, raised rash on the face, neck, and scalp. In some people, discoid lupus may develop into SLE eventually.
3. Drug-induced lupus develops as a reaction to prescribed medications such as hydralazine (used to treat high blood pressure), procainamide (for irregular heartbeat), and anti-seizure medicines like phenytoin (Dilantin) and carbamezepine (Tegretol). This is a rare form of lupus, and the symptoms usually disappear when the medication is discontinued.
4. Neonatal lupus occurs when women with SLE or other immune system disorders gives birth. These babies may experience heart defects, liver problems, skin rashes, or low blood counts. Proper prenatal testing can help physicians identify infants who may be at risk for this rare disorder. Most women with SLE give birth to healthy infants.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is the most common and most serious of the types of lupus. It is an autoimmune disease, in which the body's own immune system attacks healthy tissues. Because we know very little about how the immune system functions, scientists have been unable to determine why the body turns on itself in this manner.

Frequently Asked Questions About Lupus

Q: Who is at risk for lupus? A: It isn't certain what causes lupus, but we do know that African-American women, women of Asian, Hispanic, and Native-American descent are more likely to develop the disease. (More women than men have the disease.) Q: What are the symptoms of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)? A: Symptoms vary from person to person, but some of the signs physicians look for include: a skin rash on the face, neck, and scalp called a butterfly rash for its shape; extreme fatigue; painful, swollen, and stiff joints; an unexplained fever; swollen glands; anemia; hair loss; sensitivity to light; chest pain when breathing deeply; and kidney problems. Q: How is lupus diagnosed? A: The doctor will take a complete medical history and conduct a thorough medical examination. He or she will do a blood test to check for evidence of inflammation or unusual levels, and may conduct a skin or kidney biopsy. Q: What treatments exist for lupus? A: There is no knowncure for lupus, but its symptoms can be treated successfully through anti-inflammatory drugs, antimalarials, corticosteroid hormones, and immunosuppressives. A team of health care professionals working together may be most successful at treating and preventing flares.

What is lupus?
Lupus is an autoimmune disease, which means the body attacks its own cells, leading to tissue damage and inflammation. It can cause a variety of symptoms, including:

• painful, swollen, and stiff joints
• extreme fatigue
• skin rashes (sometimes called butterfly rashes)
• fever
• sharp chest pain
• swollen glands
• anemia
• hair loss
• photosensitivity (sensitive to light)
• kidney problems

  People suffering from the disease experience "flares" of these symptoms, which may be triggered by infections or exposure to sunlight.

  As mentioned before, lupus affects different systems of the body. In the kidneys, it can hamper the ability to remove toxins from the body, requiring drug intervention. Effects on the brain and central nervous system include dizziness, headaches, problems with vision, behavioral changes, or memory loss. Painful breathing can be caused by inflammation in the lungs, called pleuritis. The circulatory system (blood and blood vessels) may be affected as well. The vessels may become inflamed, and the blood itself may become anemic. Lupus may cause some people to have problems with blood clots or a lack of clotting.

  What causes lupus?
  The exact cause of lupus is unknown, but scientists suspect that an individual's genetic makeup plays a strong role. Additionally, some environmental factors may contribute to the condition. Infections, antibiotics, stress, and some drugs may help to "trigger" lupus. Also, we know that:

  • More women than men have lupus.
  • It tends to run in families.
  • Lupus is three times more common in African-American women than Caucasian women.
  • The disease is also more common in Asian, Hispanic, and Native American women.

  Currently, studies are being done to determine exactly how the immune system works in order to develop treatments for lupus and other autoimmune diseases. Scientists at UT Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas have found that a rare but fatal genetic disorder in children is caused by defects in the protein perforin, which may contribute to immune deficiencies.

  How is lupus treated?
  People with lupus can lead fairly normal lives. Symptoms like minor inflammation can be treated with aspirin or ibuprofin. More severe pain and other symptoms may require different drug treatments:

  • Corticosteroids - these are hormones which regulate immune responses and reduce inflamation. Though naturally produced by the body, synthetic versions may be prescribed for treatment of flares. Taken over a long period of time at high doses, side effects such as acne, osteoporosis, high blood pressure, cataracts, and others may occur.
  • Cytotoxics - these drugs are similar to corticosteroids in the way that they suppress the immune system and reduce inflammation. Side effects may include anemia, low white cell count, and a higher risk of infection.
  • Antimalarials - as the name suggests, these drugs are used in the treatment of malaria. They are also helpful in treating skin and joint symptoms in people with lupus. They work over a long period of treatment, and have few side effects.

  While there are not specific dietary requirements for people with lupus, good nutrition incorporating a well-balanced diet keeps the body in balance, and makes it less susceptible to flares.

  Research continues to find better treatments for the symptoms of lupus, and possible links to what causes the disease. In the meantime, people suffering from lupus should see their physician regularly and follow his or her instructions, eat a well-balanced diet, get plenty of rest, exercise moderately, limit exposure to the sun, and learn to recognize signals of a flare for early treatment. (Fatigue, headache, rash, pain, and fever are some warning signs.)

  Additional resources:

  • Lupus Foundation of America
  • National Institutes of Health : Lupus