Bald Symptoms: Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)
We continue our series on the variety of diseases and syndromes for which alopecia can be a presenting symptom. Again, in most cases hair loss is just good, old-fashioned hair loss; but there are times when it can be indicative of something else. And remember: I’m not a doctor. If you have a specific health concern, go see a physician.
Today let’s talk about lupus, more formally known as Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
What is it?
Lupus is an autoimmune disease, in which the immune system turns on the body and attacks normal tissues as though they were foreign substances. This is known as hypersensitivity. The symptoms and problems associated with lupus can vary widely in both type and intensity depending on where the disease attacks.
The name “lupus” is thought to originate from the red facial rash across the cheeks and nose that some sufferers develop. The Lupus Foundation of America estimates that approximately 1,500,000 Americans have a form of lupus, and 90% of those afflicted are women.
What does it do?
The following definition comes from the Lupus Foundation of America:
Lupus is a chronic inflammatory disease that can affect various parts of the body, especially the skin, joints, blood, and kidneys. The body’s immune system normally makes proteins called antibodies to protect the body against viruses, bacteria, and other foreign materials. These foreign materials are called antigens. In an autoimmune disorder such as lupus, the immune system loses its ability to tell the difference between foreign substances (antigens) and its own cells and tissues. The immune system then makes antibodies directed against “self.” These antibodies, called “auto-antibodies,” react with the “self” antigens to form immune complexes. The immune complexes build up in the tissues and can cause inflammation, injury to tissues, and pain.
The exact course of the disease all depends on where in the body the immune complexes build up.
How is it treated?
Lupus is a chronic disease without a known cure. Treatments vary depending on the systems affected, but they generally include some combination of anti-inflammatory and immuno-suppressant therapy. With proper diagnosis and treatment lupus is rarely fatal, and many patients can live with minimal disruption to daily life.
What are it’s symptoms?
Lupus often presents with chronic fever, malaise, joint or muscle pain, and fatigue. In and of themselves, these symptoms are not necessarily indicative of lupus. Additional factors are considered when making a diagnosis. The most common symptoms associated with lupus and their rate of occurrence follow:
- Achy joints (arthralgia) - 95%
- Fever more than 100 degrees F (38 degrees C) - 90%
- Arthritis (swollen joints) - 90%
- Prolonged or extreme fatigue - 81%
- Skin Rashes - 74%
- Anemia - 71%
- Kidney Involvement - 50%
- Pain in the chest on deep breathing (pleurisy) - 45%
- Butterfly-shaped rash across the cheeks and nose - 42%
- Sun or light sensitivity (photosensitivity) - 30%
- Hair loss - 27%
- Abnormal blood clotting problems - 20%
- Raynaud’s phenomenon (fingers turning white and/or blue in the cold) - 17%
- Seizures - 15%
- Mouth or nose ulcers - 12%
Additional Resources
Lupus Foundation of America
Wikipedia
The Lupus Site
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