What is Lupus:

Lupus is an autoimmune disease occurs when the body’s white blood cells begin creating antibodies to attack healthy body organs. The immune system sees the organ as an invader like a sickness and starts trying to eliminate the supposed threat.

Causes of Lupus:

In general, the causes of lupus are not well known. Doctors feel that lupus is probably a multi-causal, meaning several factors contribute to the development of lupus.

• Genetics are a potential cause of lupus. While scientists and doctors have not yet found a gene or group of genes that is proven to cause lupus, the disease does run in families. As such, it suggests that a genetic predisposition is a contributing factor in the development of lupus. 

• Environmental factors are another potential cause of lupus. Most doctors suggest that lupus is likely caused by a combination of genetic predispositions with an environmental trigger. Environmental triggers include ultraviolet rays from the sun or florescent lighting, some medications like antibiotics or sun sensitizing medications, illnesses like a virus or cold, injuries, emotional stress or physical stress to the body. 

• Hormones are another factor in lupus. While it is not suggested that hormones are a cause, in general hormones might alter the severity of lupus. Estrogen in particular seems to affect lupus and women are more likely to have lupus-like symptoms during pregnancy or before menstruation, when estrogen levels are high.

• In some individuals, medication is the sole cause of lupus. Drug-induced lupus always starts with a medication and generally stops when the medication is discontinued.

Symptoms of Lupus:

Upon determining your risk factor for developing lupus, it is important to notice the common symptoms of the disease. Early diagnosis will help doctors treat the problems so symptoms go into remission.

• A butterfly rash, called a malar rash, across the nose and cheeks is a common sign of lupus. 

• Scaly patches on the skin are another potential symptom of lupus. These patches are rough patches of skin, but do not necessarily look like a rash.

• Rheumatoid arthritis or symptoms similar to arthritis is common when the immune system attacks the joints or other connective tissue.

• Dermatitis, or inflammation of the skin, is a common reaction to lupus. In general, inflammation of the skin results in the development of a rash later.

• Inflammation to body organs, particularly nephritis that occurs in the kidneys, always occurs in lupus. The immune system attacks an organ or several organs in the body, though the kidneys, skin and connective tissues are most common. When kidneys are attacked, some individuals might even experience renal failure or require renal treatment to counteract the inflammation.

• Many lupus sufferers will experience hair loss as well. In general, hair loss is not complete and when the symptoms are in remission, the hair will usually grow back.

Conclusion:

Assessing your risk factors for lupus and then looking at your symptoms can help result in an early diagnosis and treatment.