Lupus or lupus erythematosus is a chronic autoimmune disease that can cause inflammation in several parts of the body, such as the skin, joints, kidneys and brain. Lupus can be experienced by anyone, but it is more common in women.
Under normal conditions, the immune system protects the body from infection or injury. However, in people with autoimmune diseases such as lupus, the immune system attacks healthy cells, tissues and organs.
Lupus is divided into several types, namely systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), lupus of the skin ( cutaneous lupus ), drug-induced lupus ( drug-induced lupus ), and lupus that occurs in newborns ( neonatal lupus ).
Lupus Causes and Symptoms
The cause of lupus is not known with certainty. A combination of genetic and environmental factors is often associated with the development of lupus. Some of the triggers for the appearance of lupus symptoms are exposure to sunlight, infectious diseases, or certain drugs.
Lupus can cause inflammation in various organs and parts of the body. This causes the symptoms of lupus to be different in sufferers. Even so, there are a number of common symptoms that can occur, such as pain and stiffness in the joints , fatigue, skin rashes , sensitivity to sunlight, and weight loss.
Lupus Treatment and Prevention
Lupus cannot be cured. Existing treatment is limited to relieving complaints, preventing symptoms from appearing, and inhibiting the development of the disease. The treatment method can be in the form of administering drugs, adopting a healthy lifestyle, and managing stress in a positive way.
Lupus also cannot be prevented. However, there are some things that can be done to reduce the risk of developing lupus or prevent the recurrence of complaints and symptoms. An example is adopting a healthy lifestyle, avoiding lupus triggers, and having regular health checks with your doctor.