WHAT IS LUPUS(LUPUS ERYTHEMATOUS)?

Lupus is a systemic autoimmune disorder that  occurs when your body’s immune system attacks yours own tissues and organs.

Inflammation caused by lupus can affect many different body systems- including your joints,skin,kidneys,blood cells,brain,heart and lungs.

RISK FACTORS

Age  -lupus can affect all age groups but is common in between the age of 15 and 45.

Sex  - lupus is more common in female.

Race-It is more common in african,american,hispanics and asian-americans.

COMPLICATIONS

•  Kidney failure
• Storke 
• Heart attack
• Pregnancy complication
• Hip destruction( also called avascular necrosis)
• Cataracts
• Bone fractures
• Joints deformities
• Skin deformities

SYMPTOMS AND CAUSES

SYMPTOMS

1. Achy joints (arthalgia)
2. Unexplained fever 
3. Swollen joints ( arthritis)
4. Skin rash
5. Ankle swelling and fluid accumulation
6. Pain in the chest when breathing deeply (pleurisy).
7. A butterfly shaped rash across the face and nose.(also called malar rash)
8. Hair loss.
9. Sensitive to the sun and /or other lights.
10. Seizures.
11. Mouth or nose sores.
12. Pale or purple fingers or toes from cold or stress (RAYNAUD’S PHENOMENON)

CAUSES

1. Autoimmune disease 
2. Genetic and environmental factors
3. Some potential triggers such as sunlight,infection,medications.

DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT

DIAGNOSIS

• Physical examination(A person should have at least 4of the following 11 criteria)

• Malar rash
• Discoid rash
• Photosensitivity 
• Oral ulcer
• Arthritis
• Kidney disorder
• Neurological disorder
• Inflammation
• Positive ANA test
• Blood disorder(anemia,leukopenia,lymphopenia, thrombocytopenia)
• Immunological disorder

• Laboratory tests such as CBC,ESR,LFT,KFT,urine examination.
• Imaging test-chest x-ray ,Echocardiogram.
• Biopsy -skin biopsy.
• Antinuclear antibody test (ANA).

TREATMENT

Conventional treatment includes use of:

1. NSAIDs
2. Antimalarial drugs
3. Corticosteroids
4. Immunosuppressants
5. Biologics

MANAGEMENT

1. Low impact Exercises such as walking, swimming and biking.
2. Enough rest
3. Avoid alcohol
4. Avoid smoking
5. Avoid unnecessary sun exposure
6. Take care of fever and infection

HOMEOPATHIC MANAGEMENT

1. Belladonna( for malar rash or butterfly rash) 
2. Mercurius solubilis( oral and /or naso-pharyngeal ulceration)
3. Borax (mucosal ulceration mainly in oral mucosa)
4. Rhus tox ( joints and musculoskeletal complaints)
5. Hyocyamus (NPSLE)
6. Aconite(anxiety,fear,general restlessness)
7. Cinchonna officinalis(hemolytic anaemia)
8. Ferrum mettalicum

DO'S AND DON'TS

DO'S

1. Low impact Exercises such as walking, swimming and biking.
2. Enough rest.
3. Look out for fever and infection.

DON'TS

1. Avoid alcohol
2. Avoid smoking
3. Avoid unnecessary sun exposure.