Lupus erthematosis

Lupus Erthematosis

Lupus Erythematosis is as common as multiple sclerosis, leukaemia, muscular dystrophy and cystic fibrosis, yet very few people have heard of it.

It is a disease in which the body's normal defence mechanisms, the immune system, becomes disturbed, resulting in the production of an excess of blood proteins called antibodies. Antibodies normally protect the body from bacteria, viruses and other infections, but in the case of lupus, they attack the body's own tissues causing inflammation. One type, called connective tissue, is particularly affected, and, as this is widespread in the body, several organs can be affected.

Because the disease can be disseminated throughout the body, patients can be troubled by a multitude of different symptoms. Manifestations of the disease may include any of the following: skin rashes, slight fever, loss of appetite, mouth ulcers, hair loss, recurring infections, convulsions, mental disturbance, painful swollen joints, anaemia, pleurisy, pneumonia, peritonitis, kidney disorders, extreme fatigue and general malaise. Some patients have a marked sensitivity to the sun and the UV light from sunbeds. Patients do not experience all these symptoms, and their severity varies from patient to patient and from one attack to another.

The cause of this illness is still a mystery. As lupus can attack so many different organs, it has been called `The Great Impersonator' or `Disease of a thousand faces' because it can mimic so many other diseases, making diagnosis very difficult. In one case it took 3 GPs and 4 Consultants (including a psychiatrist) over 4 years to become convinced that a 14 year old girl was suffering from genuine medical symptoms (caused by lupus) and not problems that were all in her mind!!

It is nine times more common in women than men, commonly starting in the teens and twenties. Some patients develop a classical `butterfly' rash, which is a red rash affecting the cheeks and the bridge of the nose in a `butterfly' shape!

Lupus is diagnosed by blood tests and biopsy taken from the skin rash to be examined under the microscope. At present, is no cure but relief can be brought about by using anti-inflammatory drugs to ease joint pains, antimalarial drugs for the skin rash and steroids for pleurisy, fever and inflammation of the nerves. Severe cases may need cytotoxic immunosupressant drugs, as used in the treatment of cancer. The outlook for Lupus patients has improved dramatically over the past 15- 20 years. As flare ups can often be predicted by laboratory tests, and symptoms can thankfully be virtually kept under control, the outlook is promising.

Further information from: Lupus UK, PO Box 999, Romford, Essex RM1 1DW.
IMPORTANT NOTICE : This content is from the Dr Chris Steele personal archive and is provided for convenience only. Information contained here may no longer agree with the most up to date medical advice. Please check with a medical professional before taking any action.

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