The Immune System and Lupus 

A normal immune system fights infection by destroying "foreign" pathogens. Men and women who suffer from lupus have a hyperactive immune system that attacks and destroys healthy tissues. This causes inflammation and pain, and can lead to life-threatening secondary diseases. 

Causes and Prevention

Scientists have not yet determined the exact cause of lupus. Lupus sufferers may have an inherited gene mutation that predisposes them to the disease. 

Although actual lupus prevention is not yet scientifically possible, environmental "triggers" such as UV light rays, medications, infection and viruses are known to precipitate the onset of lupus.

Diagnosing Lupus

The American College of Rheumatology has developed a criteria for diagnosing lupus. If four out of eleven symptoms are met, then a patient can be diagnosed with the disease. The list includes some of the following symptoms: a butterfly-shaped malar rash on the cheeks and nose, joint pain, low red or white blood cell counts, raised scaly patches and the presence of kidney or neurological disorders.

Lupus sufferers also report symptoms of weakness, depression, chest pain, fever and light sensitivity.

High levels of antibodies found during a blood test are indicative of abnormal autoimmune response. Excessive amounts of protein in the urine may signal nephritis or other renal impairment.

Cutaneous Forms of Lupus

According to the Lupus Foundation of America, lupus often attacks the skin, resulting in two forms of cutaneous lupus, "discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE) and subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus (SCLE)." 

DLE causes circular skin lesions, discoloration, scarring and atrophy of the skin. Localized DLE is confined to the head and neck areas. Generalized DLE can result in dermatitis on other parts of the body. Exposure to sun and UV light rays aggravate the condition. Hair loss is also common.

SCLE produces red skin sores but does not lead to atrophy or permanent scarring. 

Drug-Induced Lupus

Drug-induced lupus erythematosus (DILE) is a rare "lupus-like" syndrome which is temporary. It is caused by long term exposure to certain drugs, especially those that treat cardiac arrhythmia or high blood pressure. When a person with DILE stops taking the offending substance, all lupus-like symptoms disappear. 

Connective Tissue Disorders

SLE is a connective tissue disorder similar to rheumatoid arthritis. Both SLE and rheumatoid arthritis cause joint pain; however, Rheumatoid arthritis alone causes bone destruction and permanent joint disfigurement.

Treatment for Lupus

Lupus is an incurable disease which can lead to heart, liver or renal failure. Brain inflammation, neurological impairment and death can occur. 

Palliative treatment includes the use of antimalarials, corticosteroids and NSAIDS to reduce pain and inflammation. Both chemotherapy and immunosuppressants are used to prevent severe lupus flare-ups that endanger organ function.

In March 2011, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the use of an injectible antibody medication called belimumab to treat Lupus.