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Lupus
Lupus is a chronic inflammatory disease that can target joints,
skin, kidneys, blood cells, heart and lungs. The vast majority of people affected are women. There are three main types of
lupus - systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), discoid lupus erythematosus and drug-induced lupus. Of these, SLE is the most
common and serious form of the disease, frequently causing swollen, painful joints, skin rash, extreme fatigue and kidney
damage.
Signs and Symptoms:
- Rash. Although it only affects
about one in three people with lupus, the skin problem most often associated with the disease is a butterfly-shaped rash (malar
rash) that develops across the cheeks and bridge of the nose.
- Arthritis. Most people with lupus eventually develop joint pain, stiffness and swelling, mainly in their fingers, hands,
wrists and knees.
- Kidney problems
- Sensitivity to sunlight (photosensitivity)
- Brain or central nervous system
problems
- Heart problems
- Lung problems
- Mucosal ulcers
- Fatigue
- Swelling
- Digestive problems
- Hair loss
- Depression
Links of Interest:
Lupus Foundation of America
The Lupus Site
Mayo Clinic
Recommended Reading:
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