3. A lupus diagnosis varies depending on the person. There are four types of lupus. Some individuals with lupus may have milder symptoms while others may exhibit more severe symptoms.
- Systematic lupus erythematosus (SLE) affects the skin and also can be triggered by medications. The singer Seal has this form. SLE is the most prevalent and severe form of lupus. It can affect the kidneys, brain, or central nervous system, blood and blood vessels, skin, lungs, heart and joints. According to the Lupus Research Institute, the skin is affected in about 80% of lupus patients.
- Discoid (Cutaneous) – This form of lupus impacts the skin only and is evidenced by rashes. The rashes can occur on any part of the body but usually are on the face, neck and scalp. This type of lupus does not affect internal organs, but 10% of these patients can develop SLE.
- Drug- Induced Lupus (DIL) – DIL happens to a person when they take medication. The symptoms are very similar to SLE, but the symptoms disappear when the individual stops taking medication. It may take a period of at least six months for the symptoms to go away completely.
- Neonatal (Congenital) Lupus – This is a rare form of lupus and occurs at birth. Newborns may have rashes, liver problems or anemia. These symptoms may take several months to disappear, but they do not cause any permanent damage. However, babies born with neonatal lupus can suffer from heart defects.
4. One test does not diagnose lupus. Usually several tests take place to determine if a person has lupus. They include several tests of the blood and urine along with a clinical assessment by your physician. Typically, rheumatologists specialize in treating lupus, but if you are not sure which specialist you should see, you can start with your primary care physician. If your lupus causes you to have issues with other organs, there may be other physicians who help you with your treatment.
5. Treatment options vary depending on the severity of lupus. If you have a lupus diagnosis, you have several options concerning your treatment. Your physician may prescribe steroids, anti-inflammatory drugs, antimalarials or use cytotoxic chemotherapies which are often used with cancer patients to suppress your immune system. Clinical research continues to evolve for lupus, and other alternative therapies are being studied to determine their effectiveness.
Lupus is a lifelong condition, but treatment can help you to manage this autoimmune disease. If you feel you are suffering from lupus, see your physician and obtain medical tests as well as a clinical assessment.