Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes symptoms such as joint pain, skin rash, and fatigue. The normal functioning of the immune system eliminates germs and cells that may become cancer. In autoimmune diseases, the immune system attacks healthy cells. In patients with lupus, this autoimmune response may occur in certain parts of the body and can cause symptoms.
What are the types of lupus?
Lupus disease has different types, each type has different symptoms. We examine the types of lupus and the symptoms of each.
SLE
This type of lupus, which is the most common type of lupus, is called systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). SLE affects body organs such as heart, kidney, liver, lung,s and brain and causes inflammation in these areas. This type of lupus may improve over time and recur after a period of time.
Cutaneous types
This type of lupus appears with symptoms on the skin. Skin lesions appear on the face, neck, and scalp, which may remain on the skin for days or years. The damage of this type of lupus is limited to the skin and does not spread to other parts of the body.
Of course, 10% of people who have cutaneous lupus may also have SLE.
What causes lupus?
As an autoimmune disease, lupus occurs when the body’s immune system attacks healthy body tissues. It is possible that lupus is caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. However, the cause of lupus is mostly unknown. Some potential triggers include:
Sunlight: Exposure to sunlight may cause skin lesions or trigger an immune response in some people.
Infections: Certain infections can cause the onset of lupus or the recurrence of symptoms in some people.
Medications: Lupus may develop following the use of certain types of blood pressure medications, anti – convulsants, and antibiotics. People with drug – induced lupus usually get better after stopping the drug. Rarely, however, symptoms may persist even after stopping the medication.
What are the symptoms?
If you have lupus, you may have the following symptoms:
Feeling tired or weak
Weight loss or gain
Fever
Headache
Redness of the skin (butterfly – shaped rash) on the nose and cheeks, especially after exposure to sunlight
hair loss
Chest pain
Dyspnea
Body bruises easily
Joint pain and stiffness
Swelling of the hands, feet, abdomen, or around the eyes
Brown (tea color)
It may also cause feelings of anxiety and distress.
In some people, symptoms are constant, but in others, symptoms can worsen or decrease. In the event of a relapse or flare-up, symptoms may worsen for a few weeks, then subside. The reason for the increase or decrease of symptoms is not yet known.
Diagnostic methods
is not always easy to diagnose because its symptoms can be similar to other diseases. These symptoms include inflammation of different parts of the body including the lungs, heart, liver, joints, and kidneys. In order to make a diagnosis, the doctor usually requests a blood test. A high level of some types of antibodies, along with the common symptoms of this disease, means the possibility of having lupus. In this case, X-rays and scans may be necessary to check the organs that may be affected by this disease, such as the heart and kidneys. If lupus is diagnosed, it is necessary to perform periodic examinations and tests such as blood tests.
Treatment
Is it curable?
Currently, there is no cure for lupus. However, there are many different types of methods that can help you manage your symptoms.
Although there is no cure for this problem, medications are available to help manage its symptoms and prevent flare-ups. Your doctor will consider your symptoms and severity when recommending treatment.
It is important to see your doctor regularly. This allows them to better control your situation. and determine whether a treatment plan is appropriate for managing your symptoms.
Additionally, its symptoms can change over time. Because of this, your doctor may change your medications or adjust the dosage of your current medications.
Home remedies
Although taking medications regularly is important in controlling lupus, we can help manage our symptoms and reduce the risk of the disease getting worse by following these steps: Don’t smoke. Quitting smoking is the most important thing to do. If you have lupus Avoid exposure to direct sunlight or fluorescent lights (for a long time). Use sunscreen with a high protection factor (SPF) (more than 50). To prevent excessive fatigue, adjust our time and energy. Try to stay active even on days of exacerbation of symptoms. Try relaxation techniques to manage stress, as stress can make your symptoms worse Use a brimmed hat under the sun. Let your employer know about your illness, because they may be able to adjust your work pattern. Get help from family, friends, and medical staff. Have a healthy and balanced diet including vitamin D and calcium.
coconut oil
The benefits of using coconut oil for the skin, hair, and body are many. Coconut oil with anti – bacterial and anti – inflammatory properties can be a good disinfectant for your skin. The lauric acid in coconut oil has made it very soothing for the skin and will prevent the wound and redness caused by the inflammation of the skin cells. In addition, by reducing the inflammation, skin itching and the increase of these inflammations will be prevented.