Systemic Lupus Erythematosus is a chronic autoimmune disorder that leads to the inflammation of joints, lungs, kidneys, blood vessels and the lungs ( Huether & McCance, 2017 ). This causes tissue damage as a result of widespread inflammation in the affected organs. This condition is referred to as an autoimmune disease because the bodies of these individuals produce abnormal antibodies, which target well-functioning tissues rather than other foreign infectious agents.
Even though the symptoms for individuals with SLE may vary, some of the most common ones are skin rashes, painful and swollen joints, fatigue, kidney problems and unexplained fever ( Mayo Clinic, 2017 ). It is imperative to note than more than 90% of the cases of this chronic inflammatory disease occur in women at the start of the child bearing age. SLE can affect any organs within the body, but when only the skin is affected by rash, the condition is referred to as cutaneous lupus erythematosus or lupus dermatitis. In the medical research field, there have been cases of discoid lupus, a condition where lupus dermatitis isolated itself to the skin without any internal diseases. On the other hand, the condition is referred to as systemic lupus erythematosus when internal organs are involved.
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A research conducted by Cramarossa at al. (2017) shows that the risk factors for the abnormal autoimmunity which causes lupus may not be directly known, but the most common factors include inherited genes, ultraviolet light, viruses and some medications. It is important to note that lupus is neither caused by an infectious microorganism, not contagious from one person to another. Genetic factors, however, play a very significant role in people who develop lupus. At the moment, there is no cure for this condition but it can be treated with drugs that may enable the affected person to lead a healthy, active life.
References
Cramarossa, G., Urowitz, M. B., Su, J., Gladman, D., & Touma, Z. (2017). Prevalence and associated factors of low bone mass in adults with systemic lupus erythematosus. Lupus, 26(4), 365-372. Doi: 10.1177/0961203316664597
Huether, S. E., & McCance, K. L. (2017). Understanding pathophysiology (6th Ed.). St. Louis, M Schwartzman-Morris, J., & Putterman, C. (2012). Gender differences in the pathogenesis and outcome of lupus and of lupus nephritis. Clinical and Developmental Immunology, 2012.
Mayo Clinic (2017). Lupus. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/lupus/basics/definition/con-20019676
