Lupus Research
Lupus has two fundamental forms: discoid lupus erythematosus and systemic lupus erythematosus. Round red spots on the skin, a chronic condition, identifies discoid lupus; an autoimmune conditiond that causes periods of inflammation in tendons, joints and connective organs identifies systemic lupus.
In discoid lupus the patches of rash may recur frequently or they may be chronic, but the spots change as the condition continues. In the early stages the patches are round and are about one fourth of an inch in diameter. They commonly develop on the face and in the hair and ears, but they also can cover the chest, arms and shins. If not treated, the patches become larger while the central area degenerates and leaves scars. As the disease develops it could be joined by the more severe condition of systemic lupus.
The rash may be difficult to diagnose because it sometimes is almost identical with the rash in systemic lupus. The doctor must make a thorough examination including laboratory tests to diagnose the condition. Early treatment by a doctor will lessen the amount of scarring. The doctor may treat small patches with corticosteroid cream, but he may treat larger ones with corticosteroid orally or drugs used in treatment for systemic lupus.
Systemic lupus, which is an autoimmune disease, could be much more severe than discoid lupus. This condition doesn't have a set pattern as it develops differently in different people. This makes it difficult to diagnose because so many different symptoms are the same as in many other diseases. Skin rashes occur frequently in systemic lupus on the cheeks and nose with a red butterfly shaped rash. This type of rash indicates systemic lupus. Symptoms identify systemic lupus but laboratory tests are usually taken for confirmation.
The development of systemic lupus is so varied that a correct prognosis is difficult to make. The condition could be chronic or it could return with more severe symptoms. Controlling and proper treatment under a doctor's care of the first flare-up of inflammation usually insures an optimistic outlook on further developments with no relapses. The treatment depends upon the cause of the condition and if it is from taking a drug, it will disappear after discontinuance of the drug, but it may take a few months for a complete remission of the symptoms. Fever, rash, slight lung and heart involvement and headaches indicate a mild condition. This clears up with little treatment except taking non-steroidal drugs to relieve joint and inflammation pain. Severe lupus should be placed promptly under a doctor's care which usually begins with drugs.
