Definition of Lupus

Lupusis a chronic inflammatory disease that is caused byautoimmunity. Patients withlupushave in their blood unusual antibodies that are targeted against their own body tissues.Lupuscan cause disease of the skin, heart,lungs、肾脏、关节和神经系统。第一个年代ymptom is a red (or dark), scaly rash on the nose and cheeks, often called abutterfly rashbecause of its distinctive shape. As inflammation continues, scar tissue may form, including keloid scarring in patientsproneto keloid formation. The cause oflupusis unknown, althoughheredity,viruses, ultraviolet light, and drugs may all play a role. Lupus is more common in women than in men, and although it occurs in all ethnic groups, it is most common in people of African descent. Diagnosis is made through observation of symptoms and thorough testing of the blood for signs ofautoimmuneactivity. Early treatment isessentialto prevent the progression of the disease. A rheumatologist can provide treatment for lupus, and this treatment has two objectives: treating the difficult symptoms of the disease and treating the underlying autoimmune activity. It may include the use of steroids and other anti-inflammatory agents,antidepressantsand/or mood stabilizers,intravenous immunoglobulin, and, in cases in which lupus involves the internal organs,chemotherapy. See also lupus, discoid; lupus erythematosus, systemic.