Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes systemic inflammation. Lupus occurs when the body's immune system attacks its own tissues and organs.
In addition to the skin and joints, lupus can affect other organs in the body, such as the kidneys, lungs, and brain. Many people with lupus experience debilitating symptoms, such as fatigue, pain, and fever.
There are several types of lupus, including:
Systemic lupus erythematosus
Systemic lupus erythematosus is the most common type of lupus. Systemic lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes swelling and pain throughout the body. Instead of fighting potential threats to the body, the immune system targets healthy tissue, leading to organ damage.
Lupus of the skin
Cutaneous lupus erythematosus affects the skin. People with lupus of the skin often experience issues like skin rashes and sensitivity to the sun. Hair loss can also be a symptom of cutaneous lupus.
Drug-induced lupus erythematosus
Drug-induced lupus is caused by certain medications. People with this type of lupus share the same symptoms of systemic lupus erythematosus. However, this type of lupus is often temporary, and symptoms clear up once you stop using the medication causing it.
Neonatal lupus erythematosus
Neonatal lupus is found in infants at birth. Children with neonatal lupus have antibodies that were passed to them from their mother. This type of lupus is rare, and not every baby born to a mother with lupus will have neonatal lupus.
