Introduction Lupus is an autoimmune disease that occurs when an individual’s immune system attacks his or her own tissues and organs. Lupus varies significantly from individual to individual and can affect a variety of body systems, such as an individual’s kidneys, blood cells, skin, brain, heart, and lungs (Mayo Clinic, 2017). In the United States, an estimated 1.5 million individuals are living with lupus, and there are a reported 16,000 new cases of lupus each year (Lupus Foundation of America, 2013) While lupus has an unknown etiology, it is theorized that lupus occurs due to a combination of an individual’s genetics and various environmental factors, such as sunlight, infections, or medications (Mayo Clinic, 2017). Furthermore, there
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Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is the most common type of lupus and is characterized by inflammation of the kidneys, nervous system, and brain (Lupus Foundation of America, 2013). Systemic lupus erythematosus is what most people associate with the umbrella term of lupus. Additionally, Cutaneous lupus erythematosus is a form of lupus limited to the skin, which can cause rashes and sores across an individual’s body. However, approximately ten percent of individuals with cutaneous lupus erythematous can develop SLE (Lupus Foundation of America, 2013). Lastly, drug-induced lupus erythematosus is caused by certain prescription drugs and produces symptoms similar to SLE. Individuals with drug-induced lupus erythematosus typically see a reduction in symptoms within six months after the trigger medication is stopped (Lupus Foundation of America, …show more content…
To explain, an individual with lupus can have a sudden or gradual onset of symptoms, and these symptoms can be temporary or permanent. Most individuals with lupus experience “flares” of symptoms, or when symptoms worsen for a period then improve or disappear (Mayo Clinic, 2017). The most common symptoms of lupus include fatigue, joint pain, headaches, confusion, memory loss, fever, chest pain, hair loss, and light sensitivity (Lupus Foundation of America, 2013; Mayo Clinic, 2017). Furthermore, the hallmark symptom of lupus is butterfly shaped rash across their face that primarily covers the cheeks and bridge of the nose (Lupus Foundation of America, 2013). This rash, called a malar rash, is typically the most distinctive and presenting symptom of lupus and occurs in the majority of lupus cases (Mayo Clinic, 2017). Additionally, individuals with lupus often experience Raynaud’s phenomenon, or when an individual’s fingers and toes turn white or blue when exposed to cold or during stressful situations (Mayo Clinic, 2017). In addition to symptoms, lupus can cause many other complications or conditions in individuals, such as kidney failure, strokes, anemia, heart attacks, cancer, and avascular necrosis (Mayo Clinic,
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is the most common type of lupus and is characterized by inflammation of the kidneys, nervous system, and brain (Lupus Foundation of America, 2013). Systemic lupus erythematosus is what most people associate with the umbrella term of lupus. Additionally, Cutaneous lupus erythematosus is a form of lupus limited to the skin, which can cause rashes and sores across an individual’s body. However, approximately ten percent of individuals with cutaneous lupus erythematous can develop SLE (Lupus Foundation of America, 2013). Lastly, drug-induced lupus erythematosus is caused by certain prescription drugs and produces symptoms similar to SLE. Individuals with drug-induced lupus erythematosus typically see a reduction in symptoms within six months after the trigger medication is stopped (Lupus Foundation of America, …show more content…
To explain, an individual with lupus can have a sudden or gradual onset of symptoms, and these symptoms can be temporary or permanent. Most individuals with lupus experience “flares” of symptoms, or when symptoms worsen for a period then improve or disappear (Mayo Clinic, 2017). The most common symptoms of lupus include fatigue, joint pain, headaches, confusion, memory loss, fever, chest pain, hair loss, and light sensitivity (Lupus Foundation of America, 2013; Mayo Clinic, 2017). Furthermore, the hallmark symptom of lupus is butterfly shaped rash across their face that primarily covers the cheeks and bridge of the nose (Lupus Foundation of America, 2013). This rash, called a malar rash, is typically the most distinctive and presenting symptom of lupus and occurs in the majority of lupus cases (Mayo Clinic, 2017). Additionally, individuals with lupus often experience Raynaud’s phenomenon, or when an individual’s fingers and toes turn white or blue when exposed to cold or during stressful situations (Mayo Clinic, 2017). In addition to symptoms, lupus can cause many other complications or conditions in individuals, such as kidney failure, strokes, anemia, heart attacks, cancer, and avascular necrosis (Mayo Clinic,