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Lupus Erythematosus
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.
What happens if someone with lupus occasionally drinks alcohol?
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease that can affect multiple systems and organs throughout the body and is more commonly seen in women, particularly during their childbearing years. Clinically, it is mainly characterized by fever, rash, joint pain, oral ulcers, and hair loss. In terms of diet, it is recommended to eat light and avoid spicy and irritating foods. It is crucial to strictly abstain from smoking and drinking, avoid excessive fatigue, and direct sun exposure. Importantly, patients should strictly follow medical advice regarding medication and have regular check-ups.
Can early lupus nephritis be cured?
Early stage lupus nephritis does not have a cure. Some patients can achieve clinical remission by strictly adhering to a certain medication. Systemic lupus erythematosus can involve multiple systems and organs throughout the body. The kidneys are one of the most commonly affected target organs. Research shows that if systemic lupus erythematosus is diagnosed, performing a kidney biopsy will reveal lupus nephritis in almost 100% of the cases. The main treatment for lupus nephritis involves long-term maintenance with corticosteroids and immunosuppressants. Commonly used immunosuppressants include cyclophosphamide, mycophenolate mofetil, cyclosporine, azathioprine, and tacrolimus.
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.
Where does lupus erythematosus generally appear?
Lupus erythematosus can appear on various parts of the body. The most typical rash is the butterfly rash on the face, but it can also appear on other parts, such as discoid lupus, annular erythema, periungual erythema, and livedo reticularis. Additionally, systemic lupus erythematosus affects not only the skin and mucosa but can also involve the lungs, kidneys, heart, central nervous system, and other systems. Common manifestations include lupus nephritis and lupus pneumonia. The precise pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus is still unclear. If the damage is confined to the skin and mucosa, immunomodulators such as hydroxychloroquine can be used for treatment. If important organs are involved, it generally requires long-term maintenance treatment with corticosteroids combined with immunosuppressants to control the progression of the disease.
Can women with lupus erythematosus have sexual intercourse?
Women with lupus can engage in sexual activity. Sexual activity itself does not affect systemic lupus erythematosus, but it is essential to use contraception. It is recommended to use condoms for contraception. The use of contraceptive pills or withdrawal method is generally not recommended. This is because, in case of an unplanned pregnancy, there could be a risk of triggering a flare-up of the disease. Moreover, the risk of miscarriage or embryonic developmental arrest in pregnant women with lupus is much higher than in healthy individuals. If there are plans for pregnancy, it should only be considered after the disease has been stable for more than six months. During pregnancy, it is crucial to follow medical advice strictly regarding medication and to regularly undergo prenatal screening.
What is lupus and is it serious?
Lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune disease, which can be very severe in some cases and mild in others. For example, cutaneous lupus erythematosus generally does not involve major organs and usually presents with mild symptoms, primarily affecting the skin and mucous membranes. However, systemic lupus erythematosus can affect significant organs like the kidneys and heart in many patients, often leading to severe medical conditions. Especially, patients with rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis and those with coronary atherosclerotic heart disease tend to have a higher mortality rate. If systemic lupus erythematosus is diagnosed, it is crucial to receive standardized treatment early. Typically, treatment involves long-term maintenance with corticosteroids and immunosuppressants to control the progression of the disease and reduce the likelihood of mortality.
What does the early rash of lupus look like?
The early characteristic rash of lupus erythematosus is typically a butterfly-shaped rash on the face. Other common presentations include palm and periungual erythema, discoid rash, nodular erythema, and livedo reticularis. If the rash is not notably itchy, it generally indicates lupus erythematosus. If there is significant itching, it may suggest the possibility of an allergic factor active in the disease. After immunosuppression, itchy rashes should be monitored for possible fungal infections. The specific pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus is still unclear. If a patient exhibits the typical butterfly-shaped rash on the face, systemic lupus erythematosus should be highly suspected. Testing for antinuclear antibodies, and specifically for anti-Sm and double-stranded DNA antibodies, which represent a variety of autoantibodies, can diagnose systemic lupus erythematosus.
Does lupus erythematosus transmit through living and eating together?
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.
What should I do about lupus erythematosus?
Lupus erythematosus requires early and formal treatment to stabilize the condition. For mild cutaneous lupus erythematosus, topical immunosuppressants, such as tacrolimus ointment, and immunomodulators, such as hydroxychloroquine, can be used. Low-dose corticosteroids may be necessary for combination therapy. Systemic lupus erythematosus generally requires corticosteroids as the basis of treatment, combined with one or several immunosuppressants to effectively control the disease. Systemic lupus erythematosus often involves multiple organs, with the kidneys, hematological system, and lungs being the most common. Therefore, it is necessary to use corticosteroids in combination with immunosuppressants to control the progression of the disease, as using only immunomodulators is often insufficient.