Where does lupus erythematosus generally appear?

Written by Liu Li Ning
Rheumatology
Updated on January 14, 2025
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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.

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Written by Liu Li Ning
Rheumatology
47sec home-news-image

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.

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Written by Liu Li Ning
Rheumatology
1min home-news-image

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.

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Written by Zhang Lin
Rheumatology and Immunology Nephrology
1min home-news-image

How is lupus treated?

The treatment of lupus erythematosus mainly involves the following aspects: Firstly, mild patients can be treated with antimalarial drugs, such as chloroquine or hydroxychloroquine, thalidomide, and low-dose corticosteroids; moderate active patients can receive individualized treatment with corticosteroids, and immunosuppressants may be used when necessary; for severe patients, corticosteroids are the preferred treatment, combined with immunosuppressants such as cyclophosphamide. Secondly, for lupus crisis patients, treatment can involve immunoglobulin, high-dose corticosteroid pulse therapy. Thirdly, biologics, such as anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies, plasmapheresis, and autologous stem cell transplantation, are also used clinically. Medication for treating lupus erythematosus should be used under the guidance of a doctor, and self-medication should be avoided to prevent serious consequences.

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Written by Zhang Lin
Rheumatology and Immunology Nephrology
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Can lupus be cured?

Lupus erythematosus currently has no cure in clinical practice. However, an early diagnosis and treatment can significantly prolong the life expectancy of patients. Compared to the past, with standardized and effective individualized treatments, the 5-year survival rate can reach 95%, and the 10-year survival rate can reach 84%. However, the cause of lupus erythematosus is unclear, and no method can completely cure the disease. It is important to emphasize that there are already some medications available clinically that can alleviate the symptoms, allowing patients to live normal lives and work normally. Additionally, it is crucial not to resort to desperate measures by seeking random treatments or believing in folk remedies and secret family recipes shared by others. Such actions can not only delay proper treatment and waste money but also worsen the condition due to unclear formulations.

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Written by Liu Li Ning
Rheumatology
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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.