Lupus is not a 365 disease, to better categorize it, would be to say it is a condition of flare-ups and remissions fluctuating from non-life-threatening to life-threatening. Lupus does not just affect one type of race or ethnic background even though the chances at least double for women of color. Unfortunately, the symptoms of lupus can mimic other illnesses such as rheumatoid arthritis, Lyme disease, and a variety of heart and lung diseases. The variability of symptoms, in each case, depends on the individual and their body’s response to it; no two cases of lupus are alike. Symptoms, for men and women, that accompany lupus are similar and include malar rash (butterfly rash) across the cheeks and bridge of the nose, inflammation and/or painful joints, hair loss, mouth or nose ulcers, fever, anemia, and abnormal blood clotting to name few. Most likely, if you have lupus not all symptoms will be present.

There are four types: systemic lupus, discord (cutaneous) lupus erythematous, drug-induced lupus, and last but certainly not least neonatal lupus. All forms are equally significant while some forms are more common than others are. When people talk about lupus, they are usually referring to systemic lupus, which is the most common type. People diagnosed with discord or cutaneous lupus have a form that is limited to just the skin. Which consists of rashes and scaly patches that present itself on the scalp, neck, and face. In rare cases, it has been seen that patients with discord lupus can be afflicted by systemic lupus. Drug-induced lupus is caused by a negative response from the body when it interacts with specific prescription drugs, with symptoms mirroring systemic lupus. Over 400 drugs can cause this reaction. However, the symptoms generally decrease when they stop taking the medicine. Neonatal lupus, which happens to be the rarest form, develops when the fetus contracts autoantibodies from the mother. It is possible for the fetus and newborn to have difficulty with the blood and heart, in addition, to the possibility of skin rashes.

Lupus is an extremely serious disease that has the potential of being lethal. If you are at risk or even think you may be at risk, it is particularly valuable to understand the disease as well as the symptoms that can occur.