Types of Lupus Disease

Lupus or lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune disease, which can affect any part of the body including the skin, joints, kidneys, heart, lungs and even the blood cells. This disease is characterized by the inflammation of the affected part of the body. In lupus disease, there are the four major types are: systemic lupus erythematosus, discoid lupus erythematosus, drug-induced lupus erythematosus and neonatal lupus erythematosus. Another type is subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus, which is similar to discoid lupus. Out of these, systemic lupus erythematosus is more widespread. Systemic lupus erythematosus is also the most severe form of lupus.

Four Major Kinds of Lupus Disease

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
In systemic lupus erythematosus or SLE, the entire body is affected. However, it has been observed that the skin, joints, kidneys and the blood cells are more commonly affected by systemic lupus erythematosus. The symptoms of this disease can appear abruptly, or develop gradually over a period of time. The more common symptoms or discomfort presented by this condition are, joint pain and swelling, joint stiffness, fever, malaise, fatigue, skin rashes and muscle pain. Rashes and skin lesions can develop in various parts of the body. The characteristics lupus butterfly rash can be more commonly found across the cheek and on the bridge of the nose.

Discoid Lupus Erythematosus
Discoid lupus erythematosus is characterized by the appearance of skin rashes, and red and scaly patches. It affects only the skin. The rash and the red, raised skin patches that develop can leave scars. Scarring caused by such skin lesions can result in hair loss as well. The areas of the body that are more frequently observed to be affected by the discoid rash are, the face, neck, ears and the scalp. Another type which is quite similar to discoid lupus is subacute cutaneous lupus. Exposure to sunlight can trigger the development of lupus rashes, which generally do not leave scars.

Drug Induced Lupus Erythematosus
As the name suggests, drug induced lupus is caused by certain types of drugs. Prolonged use of certain medications can sometimes produce symptoms similar to the systemic lupus symptoms in certain individuals. Medications that are more commonly found to be associated with this condition are, antibiotics, hypertension medications, especially the medication hydralazine, birth control pills, thyroid medications, procainamide and isoniazid, chlorpromazine, quinidine, sulfasalazine and penicillamine. The symptoms of drug induced lupus usually resolve within a few weeks after discontinuing that specific medication.

Neonatal Lupus Erythematosus
Neonatal lupus affects the newborn babies, which however, is quite rare. This disease is believed to be caused when the antibodies associated with autoimmune conditions pass from the mother to the fetus. This disease causes the appearance of skin rash within a few weeks after birth. Neonatal lupus however, resolves within a few months. But in rare cases, it can lead to certain complications like, liver and heart problems.

Lupus, especially systemic lupus and discoid lupus are chronic conditions. Factors like, exposure to sunlight, recurrent infections with the Epstein-Barr virus, exposure to chemicals and long-term use of certain drugs are the risk factors for lupus disease. Lupus can lead to several complications such as, kidney failure, inflammation of the lungs, blood problems and inflammation of the blood vessels. To avoid such complications, it is important to evaluate the condition as early as possible with the help of a physician. Proper lupus disease treatment can help to control the symptoms and reduce the future outbreaks of this disease.