Lupus – When and Why This Autoimmune Disease Appears and How It Can Be Controlled?

Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease, meaning our own body “turns” against us. More precisely, the condition is caused by a dysfunction of the immune system that considers its own tissues as foreign, attacking them.

Lupus disease is very serious as it affects the skin and joints, as well as vital organs such as the heart and kidneys. What makes it difficult to diagnose is its appearance. Its distinctive sign is a facial rash that often extends to both cheeks. However, it remains quite difficult to detect.

What do we do once we receive a diagnosis? This is one of the diseases that can be kept under control, with the most important aspect being attention to the immune system. Below, we will discover the situations in which lupus appears and what we can do to control it.

Lupus – What it is and How Many Types Exist?

Many people who have heard of lupus wonder what it is. It is a chronic autoimmune condition. More precisely, it occurs when a person’s immune system attacks their own tissues because it considers them foreign. It can cause various inflammations in the body, affecting multiple organs:

• skin;
• joints;
• kidneys;
• heart;
• lungs;
• brain;
• blood cells.

The first signs of lupus appear on the skin. Because it can affect so many organs, its diagnosis is very important. Also, there are several types of it.

Types of Lupus

The autoimmune disease lupus has four types:

1. Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), which is its most common form;
2. Cutaneous Lupus, which often appears on the body, on the skin, and is frequently caused by sun exposure;
3. Drug-Induced Lupus, which is caused by a reaction to certain medications and is characterized by its appearance after stopping their administration;
4. Neonatal Lupus, which occurs in children, specifically newborns, and is genetically transmitted.

Therefore, both adults and children can suffer from lupus, with the causes mentioned above also contributing. However, the specific situations that lead to its appearance remain unknown, especially in the case of SLE. According to research, its cause may be a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

What we know for sure is that lupus is characterized by inflammation. Therefore, treatments often aim to reduce the body’s inflammatory response. An ally in managing inflammation can be Curcuma ECO Forte capsules, with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Turmeric is known for its benefits throughout the body, including for the liver, skin, and immunity. Include this supplement in your diet and enjoy the properties of a legendary plant!

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Lupus and the Causes of its Appearance

Being an autoimmune disease, our immune system fails to differentiate between its own tissues and foreign ones, attacking the former. This is considered the main cause of lupus syndrome onset. Although based only on assumptions, it is believed that its determination is genetic. At the same time, there are also external trigger factors that give each case its peculiarities.

As of now, lupus is known to occur due to the following causes:

• sun exposure, but especially to ultraviolet B rays;
• hormonal factors;
• photosensitivity, which causes lupus to appear on the body, on the skin;
• use of certain medications;
• certain viral infections, although these remain theoretical, with no conclusive studies in this regard.

Among these causes, we must know that the main peculiarities manifest in the case of systemic lupus erythematosus. More specifically, it occurs more often in women than in men, being associated with the reproductive period. Thus, lupus can be influenced by hormonal changes.

Prevalence of the Disease

Research conducted so far on people suffering from lupus has shown that the greatest risk factors are found in:

• women, compared to men;
• people aged between 15 and 44 years;
• people with a family history of lupus;
• people exposed to trichloroethylene, often found in well water;
• smokers, through exposure to silica dust;
• people exposed to pesticides for extended periods;
• stressed and tired people.

Lupus Disease in Children

Another peculiarity of lupus relates to its occurrence in children, specifically newborns. In such cases, babies acquire autoantibodies from mothers who suffer from SLE. The syndrome can affect the skin, liver, and blood cells of young children, as well as the heart. In the initial cases only, the condition resolves on its own within approximately six months of life. When the heart is affected, through the onset of congenital atrioventricular block, a pacemaker may be needed. This is a cardiac stimulator used in patients with SLE, depending on the degree of heart involvement.

Given these complications of the disease, many people want to know if lupus is transmitted by touch and if it can be cured. The condition is not contagious, nor is it curable, unfortunately. Rather, it has periods of remission and flare-ups. Therefore, it is important to pay attention to its symptoms to keep it under control.

Lupus and its Symptoms

Not everything is yet known about lupus, which is why it remains one of the most studied diseases. Its causes and symptoms are among the points of interest in academia.

What is known about lupus so far is that its progression is chronic, with periods of exacerbation and remission. Its signs can appear suddenly or slowly and can be severe or mild. They can also be temporary or permanent.

The truth is that every case is unique. Its frequent symptoms include flare-ups and improvement of health for longer periods. This aspect has led to the belief that the disease is curable. Another important characteristic is that the symptomatology depends on the affected organ.

Lupus disease can have the following general manifestations:

• fever;
• asthenia;
• weight loss;
• arthralgia or myalgia;
• arthritis;
• myositis;
• itching or pruritus, also called rash, on the skin;
• various neurological manifestations, such as seizures;
• gastrointestinal symptoms resulting in intestinal vasculitis, ascites, or pancreatitis;
• eye conditions.

However, we must know that these manifestations of lupus largely depend on its type.

Symptoms in the case of SLE

Systemic lupus erythematosus is the most common form of the disease. Its name comes from the fact that it usually affects multiple organ systems of the body, including:

• kidneys;
• skin;
• joints;
• heart;
• lungs;
• nervous system.

Regarding systemic lupus erythematosus, it is known so far that its symptoms vary over time. These are marked by periods when the manifestations worsen, followed by periods when they improve or disappear.

Manifestations of Cutaneous Lupus

The main signs of cutaneous lupus are skin rashes. These have the following characteristics:

• they are reddish;
• they have a scaly appearance;
• they do not cause itching.

Cutaneous lupus appears on the cheeks and nose and has a butterfly shape. Its lesions can also appear on the neck or scalp. When it manifests on the head, among the signs of lupus are hair loss and changes in skin pigmentation. Often, flare-ups are caused by sun exposure.

Cutaneous lupus can take several forms, including:

• acute cutaneous lupus, whose main symptom is the appearance of a butterfly-shaped rash;
• subacute cutaneous lupus, which manifests through red, swollen, and scaly rashes, often appearing on the limbs, such as hands and feet;
• chronic or discoid cutaneous lupus, which shows signs of purple or reddish rash, followed by skin discoloration and hair loss or alopecia, also leaving scars.

Acute cutaneous lupus is often associated with SLE, while subacute and chronic cutaneous lupus manifest only on the skin.

Given the symptoms that can worsen during flare-ups, as well as the fact that it can leave scars, lupus must be diagnosed as quickly as possible. This is done through several types of tests.

Lupus Disease – Diagnosis and Treatment

Because the definition of lupus is that of an autoimmune disease, with signs that vary from person to person, it is difficult to diagnose. Moreover, it can be confused with other dermatological conditions. Therefore, we must see a doctor, who may need:

• a clear and detailed medical history of the patient;
• certain blood and even urine tests;
• imaging tests or even a biopsy.

Among the recommended tests are complete blood count, kidney and liver function tests, and antinuclear antibody testing. In terms of imaging, ultrasounds, X-rays, computed tomography, and even MRIs can be performed. At the skin level, biopsies can be performed for a correct diagnosis.

Treatment of Lupus Disease

Lupus disease is not transmitted nor cured, it is only controlled. Therefore, the prescribed treatment will aim at managing it. As medications, the following may be prescribed:

• corticosteroids, which help reduce inflammation;
• non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which help with pain, especially joint pain;
• immunosuppressive medication, but this is only used in very severe cases of lupus.

Additionally, depending on the affected organs, medications for the heart and osteoporosis may be prescribed. To keep it under control, lifestyle and diet are equally important, especially during flare-up periods.

Lupus Syndrome and its Management

Left untreated, this disease can affect multiple organs. Even when it seems cured, lupus must continue to be managed to limit the occurrence of flare-ups. For this purpose, certain measures can be taken, including maintaining a balanced diet and lifestyle changes.

If a change is necessary, it will be made while also adhering to the medication prescribed by the doctor.

Forbidden and Recommended Foods in Lupus

Some research has shown that diet can help control lupus. Thus, there are certain products we should give up and others we can consume more frequently.

On the list of forbidden foods in lupus are:

• saturated fats, which are usually found in fatty meats, fried products, and whole dairy products;
• processed products, such as fast food and pastries that have a high sugar content, which is known to maintain inflammation;
• refined carbohydrates, found in white flour and white rice;
• alcohol, which can not only worsen lupus symptoms but also interact with medications taken for this disease;
• salts and preservatives;
• caffeine, which affects the nervous system, promoting depression and anxiety.

What foods are not forbidden in lupus? These include vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and limited amounts of protein. Certain vitamins can also help in managing this disease.

The main symptoms of lupus include profound fatigue, joint pain, and skin rashes. Their impact on quality of life can be significant, affecting work capacity and daily activities. Therefore, natural remedies can also be considered. Here are some examples:

Aronia: Aronia consumption can reduce inflammation due to its antioxidant properties, which help neutralize free radicals in the body.

Sea buckthorn: It is known for its anti-inflammatory properties.

Aloe vera: It has many benefits for the skin and immunity.

Turmeric: Curcuma ECO forte capsules are beneficial for the entire body, including the heart, liver, and lungs.

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Lupus and Other Control Measures

In addition to diet, lupus disease also means lifestyle changes. From this perspective, avoiding alcohol and smoking is recommended. Also, sun exposure should be limited as much as possible, especially in cases of cutaneous lupus.

Also as a measure for managing lupus, practicing sports or exercising outdoors in the morning and evening is recommended. Activities such as walking, swimming, yoga, and Pilates can be successfully integrated into a healthy lifestyle. Physical exercises help the immune system function correctly and the skeletal system remain strong. They also play a beneficial role in psychological health, especially since this disease can be a source of stress.

In conclusion, lupus is an autoimmune disease that is not transmitted by touch and cannot be cured. It has several types and can affect people of all ages, from newborns to older adults. It also occurs more often in women than in men. This syndrome has four types and can affect important organs of the body, such as the skin, heart, and kidneys. Therefore, it must be diagnosed quickly and correctly.

Since it is not curable, it is kept under control with medication, as well as with a balanced diet and physical exercise.

References:

1. https://www.cdc.gov/lupus/basics/symptoms.htm
2. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/lupus/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20365790
3. https://www.lupus.org/resources/risk-factors-for-developing-lupus
4. https://www.verywellhealth.com/what-causes-lupus-2249817

Cover photo source: image by Towfiqu barbhuiya on Unsplash.com