What does lupus do to the skin?

Answer 1

# # # # # Lupus produces widely varying symptoms, although joint pain is reported by most patients and skin lesions are common. Lupus can cause short periods of symptoms alternating with healthy periods, or can progress into a life-threatening disorder affecting the heart, kidneys, and other organs.

Why the disease is termed lupus is unknown, but it has been known as a distinct disorder and called lupus by European physicians since at least the tenth century A.D. The term erythematosus was first attached to the disease in the 1850s, and it refers to the patchy congestion of skin capillaries with blood (erythema) that often accompanies the disease.

Answer 2

Lupus can greatly affect the skin. Rashes from mild to severe are a common sign, particularly the butterfly rash on the face, across the cheeks and nose. See: http:/www.lib.uiowa.edu/hardin/md/dermnet/lupus.html for many photos of the lupus rash.

Answer 3

The effect of lupus on the body varies widely from patient to patient. Some people only have skin involvement. Others have systemic (organ) involvement. Most people with systemic lupus experience joint pain and swelling, extreme fatigue, frequent fevers and periodic chest pain on deep breathing caused by inflammation of the heart and lungs. 50% of people with lupus will have kidney disease. Lupus can affect any and all organs in the body.

Answer 4

B cells get confused and target healthy cells in the body. Not enough suppressor T cells means the B cells are not kept in balance. In addition, B cells may not die off (apoptosis) when they should causing an over abundance of confused cells.

Answer 5

Lupus affects each person differently. For some people it will cause joint pain and fatigue. For other people it will affect organs but not the same organs for all people.