Lupus
Lupus is a condition that affects the integumentary system. This system protects the body for various kinds of damage, like outside abrasions and water loss. The integumentary system includes the hair, skin, and nails. About 2/3 people with lupus will develop some type of skin disease, like cutaneous lupus erythematosis. Skin disease with lupus can cause lesions, which can be from sun-exposed areas such as the face, ears, neck, arm and legs.
Other than skin, this disease can damage other parts of the body such as the:
- Joints
- Kidneys
- Heart
- Lungs
- Blood vessels
- Brain
What is Lupus?
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History of Lupus
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Age Group/Gender/Cultural Group affected
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Most Common Symptom: The tell-tale sign that someone has lupus is a butterfly shaped rash across the cheeks and bridge of the nose.
Signs and Symptoms of Lupus:
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Cures or Treatments:
There is no cure for lupus, but there are treatments that focus on improving quality of life through controlling symptoms and minimizing flare-ups. This can mean changing lifestyles and includes sun protection and diet. Further disease management includes medications, such as anti-inflammatories and steroids. Number of Americans affected by the disease: About 1.5 million How a person's daily life is affected by the disease: A person may feel pain and have fatigue, which can take a toll on a person's state of mind. Having lupus can also mean being limited with work and activities. They can also feel isolated along with mood changes/personality changes. |
Etiology:
Lupus sometimes seems to run in families, which suggests the disease may be hereditary. Having the genes isn't the whole story, though. The environment, sunlight, stress, and certain medicines may trigger symptoms in some people.
Works Cited:
"About Us." Lupus Foundation of America. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Sept. 2016.
"Coping with Lupus: How Does Lupus Affect Your State of Mind and Body." Mollys Fund. N.p., 2016. Web. 14 Sept. 2016.
Editors, Lupus Web. "History of Lupus." St.Thomas' Lupus Trust (symptoms, Advice, Research and News). N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Sept. 2016.
"Fast Facts About Lupus." U.S National Library of Medicine. U.S. National Library of Medicine, n.d. Web. 14 Sept. 2016.
"How Does Lupus Affect the Skin?" Lupus Foundation of America. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Sept. 2016.
"Lupus - Google Search." Lupus - Google Search. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Sept. 2016.
Medical News Today. MediLexicon International, n.d. Web. 14 Sept. 2016.
"Skin: Facts, Diseases & Conditions." LiveScience. TechMedia Network, n.d. Web. 14 Sept. 2016.
"What Are the Common Symptoms of Lupus?" Lupus Foundation of America. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Sept. 2016.
"Who Gets Lupus." S.L.E. Lupus Foundation. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Sept. 2016.
"About Us." Lupus Foundation of America. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Sept. 2016.
"Coping with Lupus: How Does Lupus Affect Your State of Mind and Body." Mollys Fund. N.p., 2016. Web. 14 Sept. 2016.
Editors, Lupus Web. "History of Lupus." St.Thomas' Lupus Trust (symptoms, Advice, Research and News). N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Sept. 2016.
"Fast Facts About Lupus." U.S National Library of Medicine. U.S. National Library of Medicine, n.d. Web. 14 Sept. 2016.
"How Does Lupus Affect the Skin?" Lupus Foundation of America. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Sept. 2016.
"Lupus - Google Search." Lupus - Google Search. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Sept. 2016.
Medical News Today. MediLexicon International, n.d. Web. 14 Sept. 2016.
"Skin: Facts, Diseases & Conditions." LiveScience. TechMedia Network, n.d. Web. 14 Sept. 2016.
"What Are the Common Symptoms of Lupus?" Lupus Foundation of America. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Sept. 2016.
"Who Gets Lupus." S.L.E. Lupus Foundation. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Sept. 2016.