Does lupus erythematosus transmit through living and eating together?

Written by Liu Li Ning
Rheumatology
Updated on November 21, 2024
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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.

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Written by Zhang Lin
Rheumatology and Immunology Nephrology
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What are the symptoms of the early stage of lupus erythematosus?

The main symptom in the early stage of lupus is the appearance of a butterfly-shaped rash on the face, with most patients initially exhibiting these rashes, some of which are not butterfly-shaped. The rash can also appear on fingers, palms, and around the nails. Additionally, over 80% of patients experience unexplained fevers, which are irregular and can sometimes reach up to 40 degrees Celsius. Some patients also experience joint pain in the early stages of the disease, mainly starting with pain in larger joints such as the elbows, knees, and ankles. If joint pain is accompanied by fever, rash, and a decrease in white blood cells, it is advisable to promptly visit a hospital for an examination to check for lupus. Some patients may also experience Raynaud's phenomenon and photosensitivity in the early stages of lupus. There are no fixed symptoms in the early stages of lupus; it is mainly important to observe oneself regularly and seek medical attention if feeling unwell.

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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.

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Written by Liu Li Ning
Rheumatology
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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 Zhang Lin
Rheumatology and Immunology Nephrology
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Does lupus cause itchy skin?

The rash in patients with lupus erythematosus is generally not noticeably itchy. In patients with lupus erythematosus, the characteristic changes include a butterfly-shaped rash on the bridge of the nose and cheeks. The skin lesions of lupus erythematosus include photosensitivity, hair loss, erythema on the palms and soles and around the nails, discoid lupus, nodular erythematosus, seborrheic dermatitis, livedo reticularis, and Raynaud's phenomenon, among others. Generally, there is no noticeable itching. If significant itching occurs, it suggests an allergy. Itchy rash after immunosuppressive treatment should be monitored for fungal infections. Lupus patients receiving steroid and immunosuppressive therapy, if experiencing unexplained localized skin burning, may be showing early signs of herpes zoster and should seek prompt medical attention at a hospital.

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Written by Zhang Lin
Rheumatology and Immunology Nephrology
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Lupus is what disease?

Lupus erythematosus, also known as systemic lupus erythematosus, is a chronic autoimmune disease involving multiple systems and organs. Patients' serum contains various autoantibodies, with the main pathological changes being inflammatory reactions and vascular abnormalities. Most patients exhibit butterfly-shaped erythema on the bridge of the nose and cheeks, which is the most characteristic manifestation of lupus erythematosus. The clinical presentations of systemic lupus erythematosus are diverse, generally characterized by the "four multiples": involvement of multiple systems, multiple organs, multiple autoantibodies, and a higher prevalence among women of childbearing age. Without proper and effective treatment, the mortality rate is high, with the main causes of death being infections, renal failure, and damage to the central nervous system.