Consider this – we all are the designers of our own protection. Our task is to plan and organize the defenses against the millions of predators coming at us. With elite resources, we create the finest protection system ever. But hold on! What if our energy is misdirected and begins to hurt our own defenses? This is precisely what autoimmune illness are about.
The immune system is a collection of cells and tissues that work together to protect us from viruses, germs, and infections. It strives to find, kill, and destroy any invaders who may cause us harm.
Problems with the Immune system reaction are referred to as Autoimmune disorders. Immune cells mistakenly attack the body’s own healthy tissues, forcing the body to fight. One such autoimmune condition is Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus. Many global Clinical Research Institutes and pharmaceuticals are conducting researches and clinical trials to help us and doctors understand these conditions and how to better help your body fight these disorders.
What is Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus?
Lupus is a condition in which the body’s immune system attacks the tissues and organs (autoimmune disease). Lupus is a multi-organ disorder which can cause inflammation in the joints, skin, kidneys, brain, heart, and lungs.
This condition is difficult to diagnose since its symptoms and indications are frequently mistaken for those of other diseases. A face rash that appears like butterfly wings unfolding over both cheeks is the most recognizable sign of lupus.
Sunlight, illness, and medicine are all suspected environmental factors of lupus. Some researchers suggest that persons with lupus may have inherited the disease. When patients with this tendency are exposed to an environmental trigger, the illness gets triggered.
Types of Skin Lupus
The terminology “chronic cutaneous lupus erythematosus” indicates a kind of lupus that only involves the skin. People who do not have systemic lupus can also encounter this type of lupus. However, about 5% of persons with this lupus will develop systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) later in life. Chronic cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CCLE), subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus (SCLE), and acute cutaneous lupus are the three types of skin lupus.
Chronic Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus (CCLE)
This condition, also known as Discoid Lupus Erythematosus, causes circular, disk-shaped lesions. The sores are mostly found on the scalp and face, although they can form on other regions of the body as well.
Around 10% of persons with discoid lupus experience symptoms in other organ systems later. In fact, issues like photosensitivity can be a requisite problem developed out of discoid lupus lesions.
The lesions of discoid lupus are often red, scaly, and thick, and they usually don’t sore or itch. Scarring and skin discoloration (darkly colored and/or lighter colored regions) can occur because of these lesions, over time. Discoid lesions on the scalp can, in fact, eventually lead to hair loss.
Subacute Cutaneous Lupus
Subacute cutaneous lesions can take the form of red scaly skin with defined margins or red ring-shaped lesions. Sun-exposed parts of the arms, shoulders, neck, and torso are the most prevalent sites for these types of lesions. Although these lesions do not normally itch or scar, they might get discolored. Because subacute cutaneous lesions are photosensitive, caution should be exercised while spending time outside or under sunlight.
Acute Cutaneous Lupus
Acute cutaneous lupus lesions, a malar rash–flattened areas of red skin on the face that may mimic a sunburn, is the most common symptom of acute cutaneous lupus. The rash that arises in the shape of a “butterfly” over both cheeks and across the bridge of the nose.
The rash can, however, emerge on the arms, legs, and body. Exposure to light sensitivity is common in these lesions. They don’t typically leave scars, although they can cause skin to change its color.
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus V/S Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus:
SLE is a multi-systemic disease that can affect more than one body organ which may include heart, lungs, kidneys, and brain.
Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus:
Cutaneous lupus erythematosus is characterized by lesions or rashes; however, they are only limited to skin. Skin lesion might transform into systemic lupus erythematosus.
What Causes Skin Lupus?
It indicates that persons who have a hereditary influence of lupus might get the disease if they are exposed to a trigger within the environment. However, in many instances, the etiology of lupus is unclear. Some of the factors which might cause the progression of Lupus are listed below.
- Sunlight is one of the probable causes of this condition. In persons with lupus, exposure to the sun might cause skin lesions or induce an internal reaction.
- Infections. Infections can either trigger lupus or a relapse in certain people.
- Medications. Certain blood pressure drugs and antibiotics can all cause lupus, as well. For people with drug-induced lupus, symptoms can sometimes last long after the medicine is stopped.
Important Facts about Lupus
Skin lupus is not a contagious disease that gets passed on from one person to the next. The exact cause of lupus is unknown. Medical professionals think it’s caused by a mix of genes, hormones, and environmental variables.
Because women are more likely to get lupus, as compared to men, experts believe the female hormone estrogen plays a role in the emergence of the illness. Symptoms may become more severe during pregnancy when estrogen levels are higher. Lupus is a disease that can run in families.
Symptoms
Symptoms of skin lupus include:
- Skin appears to be red and scaly. They might be round, like a coin, or flat, like a disc. Scaly patch may be outlined by darker red rings or borders. They can appear anywhere on your body, but they are more prevalent in places that have been exposed to the sun. After a few days or weeks, they may improve or disappear. These rashes might last a long time.
- A rash that covers the cheeks and the bridge of the nose (butterfly rash). This form of rash affects around half of all patients with lupus.
Management & Treatment
Lifestyle adjustments and drugs are used by healthcare practitioners to assist patients in managing cutaneous lupus or systemic lupus erythematosus. These may consist of:
- Limiting your exposure to the sun and fluorescent light:
Because lupus skin lesions are susceptible to both natural and artificial light, you should restrict your exposure them. When the sun is at its greatest during the day, stay indoors and cover yourself with sun-protective clothes.
– Injections:
A corticosteroid medicine may be injected directly into the rash with a needle by a practitioner. Injections of steroid drugs help decrease inflammation.
– Oral medications:
A medicine called hydroxychloroquine has been used to treat systemic lupus for many years. It regulates your immune system’s reaction.
– Topical medications:
Creams, lotions, and ointments can help to relieve skin irritation.
Preventive Measures
Though there is no specific way to avoid skin lupus it can be controlled by minimizing indoor and outdoor exposure to light, especially one that emerges from sources like fluorescent light bulbs and the sun. This can help prevent rashes from erupting. Avoid going outside in the sun when it’s the hottest to reduce the chances of developing Lupus.
Avoid smoking as it will be more likely to aggravate lupus flares ups.
Also Read: What is the Purpose of Pre-Operative Assessment and Why Is It important?
Outcome Measures
Lupus is difficult to diagnose since symptoms differ from person to person. The symptoms can also coincide with other medical conditions, leading to a misdiagnosis. However, lifestyle adjustments and frequent monitoring can help many patients manage cutaneous lupus.
The effects of lupus can be minimized through early diagnosis and therapy. Join our Cutaneous Lupus Clinical Trials based in Michigan and make smart decisions to reduce your chance of a lupus skin flare-up for the best potential outcome.
