Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) Disease: Lupus Rash | Symptoms and Causes
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) Disease is commonly called as butterfly rash disease or simply lupus rash, is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects multiple organs and tissues in the body. It is a complex and often unpredictable condition that can cause a wide range of symptoms and complications. SLE is more common in women than men and usually starts during childbearing years. Why is it so, let’s find the answer?
We shall discuss Butterfly rash, signs and symptoms of Lupus Disease, potential causes of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and most importantly biological reasons behind all these.
Signs and Symptoms of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Most of the common symptoms of SLE include:
1. Skin Rashes: A lupus rash is a distinct type of skin rash that occurs in a butterfly-shaped pattern across the cheeks and bridge of the nose.
2. Fatigue: Persistent fatigue is a common complaint in SLE patients.
3. Joint Pain and Swelling: Arthritis is a frequent manifestation of SLE. It is caused by the body's immune system attacking the synovium (the lining of the joints), leading to inflammation and pain.
4. Fever: Patients with SLE may experience recurrent fevers, which are often a result of inflammation and immune system activation.
5. Kidney Problems: SLE can cause inflammation in the kidneys, leading to various kidney disorders. The immune system attacks the kidney tissues, which can result in proteinuria, hematuria, and even kidney failure.
6. Chest Pain and Breathlessness: Inflammation of the lining around the heart (pericarditis) and lungs (pleuritis) can occur in SLE, leading to chest pain and difficulty breathing.
7. Raynaud's Phenomenon: In cold temperatures or under stress, fingers and toes can turn white or blue due to decreased blood flow. This occurs because the immune system affects blood vessels, leading to constriction.
Causes of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus:
1. Genetic Factors: Genetic predisposition plays a significant role in the development of SLE. Certain genes associated with the immune system and inflammation regulation have been linked to an increased risk of developing the disease.
2. Hormonal Factors: Hormones, particularly estrogen, have been implicated in the pathogenesis of SLE. This is supported by the fact that women of childbearing age are more susceptible to SLE, and hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy and the menstrual cycle can influence the disease course.
3. Environmental Triggers: Environmental factors, such as exposure to sunlight (UV light), infections, and certain medications, can trigger or exacerbate SLE in individuals who are genetically susceptible. UV light can lead to the release of autoantigens from dying skin cells, triggering an immune response.
4. Immunological Dysregulation: SLE is fundamentally an autoimmune disorder, where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own tissues and cells. In SLE, there is an overproduction of autoantibodies (antibodies that attack the body's own antigens) and the formation of immune complexes, which deposit in various tissues and organs, causing inflammation and damage.
5. Defective Apoptosis (Programmed Cell Death): Apoptosis is the process of programmed cell death, which helps remove damaged or old cells from the body. In SLE, there is a defect in apoptosis, leading to the accumulation of apoptotic cells. These cells release self-antigens that trigger an immune response.
Watch the video and learn more about signs and symptoms of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and potential causes of Lupus Rash.
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