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DIFFERENT TYPES OF LUPUS
Cutaneous Lupus refers to skin involvement in lupus.
There are numerous types of rashes, including the
classic "butterfly" rash, discoid lupus, and subacute
cutaneous lupus. Some patients may have lupus confined
solely to the skin, whereas others may have skin rash in
addition to other manifestations.
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) may cause
inflammation in a number of organs in the body. In some
individuals this may mean skin and joint involvement,
while in others, kidneys, blood or central nervous
system may be affected. There may also be cases where
multiple organ involvement exists. Lupus is
characterized by periods in which few, if any, symptoms
are evident (remission) and other times during which
symptoms become active (flare).
Drug-induced lupus is caused by certain prescribed drugs
that create a lupus -like syndrome, which is similar to
SLE; however, it rarely affects either the kidneys or
central nervous system. The drugs most commonly involved
are hydralazine, procaineamide, quinidine, phenytoin, D-penicllamine
and isoniazid. When these drugs are discontinued, the
symptoms usually fade. Only a small number of
individuals who take these drugs develop drug-induced
lupus.
- Information provided by Dr. Richard Furie, North Shore
University Hospital |
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