Visual Identification and Management of Lupus: Recognizing and Handling Symptoms
Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that can affect various parts of the body, each with distinct symptoms and manifestations. Here's a breakdown of the main types of lupus and their associated symptoms.
**Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)** is the most common form of lupus, affecting multiple organs such as the kidneys, lungs, heart, brain, joints, and skin. Common initial symptoms include fever, fatigue, and malaise lasting several months. A malar rash (butterfly-shaped rash on the face), photosensitivity, and discoid rashes are common skin manifestations. Arthritis in small joints of the hands and wrists, nephritis or nephrosis (kidney problems), anemia, cytopenia, thrombocytopenia, pericarditis, endocarditis, coronary artery disease, pleural disease, and various other symptoms may also occur.
**Discoid Lupus Erythematosus (DLE)** is a chronic autoimmune skin disorder characterized by a red, raised rash on the face, scalp, or other areas, often causing scarring. Skin lesions are plaquelike with follicular plugging and scarring, and may lead to cicatricial alopecia (hair loss). Dermoscopic features include white structureless areas, arborizing vessels, white scales, and follicular keratin plugs.
**Subacute Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus (SCLE)** causes skin lesions primarily on sun-exposed parts of the body. Typically, these appear as papulosquamous or annular polycyclic lesions and are accompanied by increased sensitivity to sunlight.
**Acute Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus (ACLE)** often indicates systemic activity and is associated with SLE. Symptoms include a malar rash similar to that in SLE, but may be more transient, and widespread erythema (generalized redness of the skin).
**Drug-Induced Lupus** is caused by certain medications, such as antiseizure, high blood pressure, thyroid medications, and antibiotics. Symptoms are generally mild and may include musculoskeletal pain and fever and fatigue.
Each type of lupus has unique clinical manifestations, and diagnosis often requires a combination of clinical evaluation and laboratory tests. People with lupus-related lesions should avoid sunlight and use sunscreen, wear sun-protective clothing, and limit or avoid exposure to fluorescent light. Lupus is a chronic condition lasting for months to years, with no cure, but a doctor can help manage symptoms. Joint swelling and pain, chest pain, headaches, severe fatigue, fever, anemia, weak muscles, carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, kidney problems, heart problems, confusion, Raynaud's phenomenon (affecting the blood vessels in the fingers, toes, hands, or feet, causing cold, blue, or pale extremities, tingling, numbness, and pain), dry, red, or irritated eyes and vision problems are among the possible symptoms of lupus.
Treatment for lupus focuses on managing lupus flares and preventing them when possible, involving medications and regular doctor visits. Medications recommended for lupus symptoms include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), steroids, antimalarial drugs, immunosuppressive medications, and anticoagulants. People can work with their doctor to decide on the best medications and treatment options for managing lupus symptoms. The symptoms of lupus may appear to worsen during flares and may be mild or absent for weeks, months, or years after a flare.
- Apart from Lupus, other chronic diseases that can impact the skin, mental health, and overall health-and-wellness are psoriasis, COPD, obesity, and depression.
- Aq, a predictive science rooted in medical-conditions research, suggests that people with Lupus may also experience hairloss due to the skin manifestations associated with Lupus.
- To manage Lupus, haircare practices become an integral part of health-and-wellness routines, as discoid Lupus Erythematosus may lead to cicatricial alopecia (hair loss).
- Despite advancements in skin-care and medical treatments, Lupus and other chronic diseases like COPD often require long-term management and can rarely be cured.
- Researchers in the field of Science are working diligently to create new treatments for chronic diseases such as Lupus, obesity, and depression, with a focus on both physical and mental health.
- Soothing hair care products, such as those containing oils and moisturizers, can help alleviate the symptoms of Lupus-related hairloss and contribute to an individual's health-and-wellness journey.
- Concurrently dealing with chronic diseases like Lupus, obesity, or depression can potentially lead to increased feelings of depression, making mental-health support a crucial part of the overall treatment plan.
