Initial symptoms of systemic lupus erythematosus

Written by Li Jing
Rheumatology
Updated on September 06, 2024
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Systemic lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune disease that affects multiple systems and organs and is associated with a variety of autoimmune antibodies, primarily occurring in women of childbearing age. Its clinical manifestations are diverse, with the condition being mild and recurrently evolving. The most common symptoms involve changes to the skin, where various types of edematous erythema can occur, and in severe cases, there can be blisters, ulcers, erosion, skin atrophy, hyperpigmentation, and scar formation. Among these, the butterfly rash is most specific. Additionally, other symptoms may include joint swelling and pain; kidney involvement can lead to foamy urine, which is a common presentation; gastrointestinal involvement can cause diarrhea, and neurological involvement can lead to mental disorders and seizures. Therefore, once facial rashes, photosensitivity, or joint swelling and pain occur, it is crucial to be vigilant, undergo relevant examinations promptly, diagnose early, and treat early, as it is very important for the prognosis of the disease.

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Written by Li Jing
Rheumatology
1min 19sec home-news-image

Initial symptoms of systemic lupus erythematosus

Systemic lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune disease that affects multiple systems and organs and is associated with a variety of autoimmune antibodies, primarily occurring in women of childbearing age. Its clinical manifestations are diverse, with the condition being mild and recurrently evolving. The most common symptoms involve changes to the skin, where various types of edematous erythema can occur, and in severe cases, there can be blisters, ulcers, erosion, skin atrophy, hyperpigmentation, and scar formation. Among these, the butterfly rash is most specific. Additionally, other symptoms may include joint swelling and pain; kidney involvement can lead to foamy urine, which is a common presentation; gastrointestinal involvement can cause diarrhea, and neurological involvement can lead to mental disorders and seizures. Therefore, once facial rashes, photosensitivity, or joint swelling and pain occur, it is crucial to be vigilant, undergo relevant examinations promptly, diagnose early, and treat early, as it is very important for the prognosis of the disease.

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Written by Li Jing
Rheumatology
1min 16sec home-news-image

What to do about hair loss from systemic lupus erythematosus?

Systemic lupus erythematosus is a multi-system, multi-damage autoimmune disease, primarily manifesting in the skin and mucous membranes. Some individuals may also experience low-grade fever and hair loss, even severe hair loss. If treatment has already commenced and hair loss continues during the treatment process, it is necessary to consider whether the medication dosage is insufficient and to consider adjusting the medication dosage. If medication has been discontinued and severe hair loss reoccurs, the first consideration should be whether there is a recurrence of active disease, necessitating a visit to the hospital for tests including a complete blood count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, complement levels, and autoimmune antibodies to comprehensively assess whether the disease has relapsed. If the disease has relapsed, it is necessary to reintroduce steroids, adjust medication dosages, and combine the use of hydroxychloroquine to control the disease. (Specific medications should be used under the guidance of a physician.)

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Written by Li Jing
Rheumatology
1min 1sec home-news-image

Is systemic lupus erythematosus serious?

Firstly, whether systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is severe cannot be generalized. It is an autoimmune disease that cannot be completely cured and can cause damage to multiple systems and organs, leading to serious complications. Therefore, it is crucial to conduct a clinical analysis and assess the severity of the condition as mild, moderate, or severe after diagnosis. Furthermore, if severe anemia or a decrease in platelets occurs, the condition is relatively severe, and the presence of oliguria or anuria or central nervous system damage, this is known as lupus crisis. These conditions can be life-threatening, even leading to death. In such cases, the condition is relatively critical, and it is essential to actively treat and control the condition. Once the condition stabilizes, the medication dosage should be gradually reduced to maintain stability.

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Written by Yang Ya Meng
Rheumatology
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Can people with systemic lupus erythematosus have children?

Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus can have children, but only if they are taking less than one and a half steroids and less than two hydroxychloroquine tablets. Additionally, they must be closely monitored throughout the early, middle, and late stages of pregnancy, and regularly consult with both obstetricians and rheumatologists to discuss any necessary adjustments in treatment. This is because pregnancy is a high-risk factor for triggering lupus activity, with the disease often relapsing during the first six weeks of pregnancy and the six weeks following childbirth. (Medications should be used under the guidance of a physician.)

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Written by Li Jing
Rheumatology
51sec home-news-image

What is the best food to eat for systemic lupus erythematosus?

Firstly, systemic lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune disease that can affect multiple systems and organs and cannot be cured. It can only be managed through medications to control the progression of the disease and delay the onset of complications. Therefore, it's not about what food is good for lupus, but rather about managing any complications it may have. Some foods to avoid include tomatoes, bayberries, figs, celery, bananas, as well as other fruits and vegetables that have been exposed to prolonged sunlight. The general principle is to adopt a low-salt, low-fat diet while increasing the intake of high-quality proteins, primarily lean meats and pure milk, to boost resistance and immunity.