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Immunology => Lupus Erythematosus
Lupus Erythematosus
Lupus Erythematosus, chronic disease originally identified by the rash it caused but now known to involve the internal organs in many cases. Lupus strikes women in nine times as many cases as men. The disease is thought to be a result of the malfunctioning of the immune system. The blood of a lupus patient contains antibodies against many normal tissue components. Damage caused by these antibodies produces symptoms that can include the characteristic butterfly rash on the face, arthritic joint disease, heart damage, shortness of breath, and impaired kidney function. Lupus follows an irregular course of remissions and flare-ups, but is often incapacitating. Treatment is rest and drugs-non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, anti-malarials, or corticosteroids.
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