FAQ - Lupus Erythematosus, Cutaneous
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Lupus Erythematosus?


I have been diagnosed with SLE: Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, but for the moment it remains cutaneous. What are the chances for the disease to spread and attack other tissues? And if that does happen, is there any medication that can prevent the disease from permanently damaging the organs?

I'm so scared, please help.
Once you have this disease, do you have it for life?
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In some patients with cutaneous lupus, it does also turn into systemic lupus. Most cases of systemic lupus are mild to moderate and are controlled by medication and lifestyle changes. The majority of people with systemic lupus will live a relatively normal life span if they follow their treatment regimen (90%+). You said you have been diagnosed with systemic lupus. That means it is more than cutaneous. Many patients have both.

The medications which control lupus are immunosuppressive drugs. Prednisone is the first line of defense in calming a flare, or period of disease activity. But prednisone can cause some problems at high doses and if taken for long periods of time. Most of us take hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) twice a day for life. This is preventive. For many patients the hydroxychloroquine is enough. If you have organ issues, then additional immunosuppressive drugs will be prescribed depending on what organ is involved.

Lifestyle choices that help are:
1. Eat a nutritious, balanced diet that is high in fruits and vegetables (at least 5 servings a day) and low in animal fat. Most of the time, avoid highly processed foods or fast food.
2. Get some physical exercise on a regular basis.
3. Learn stress management. Yoga, Tai Chi, meditation are all good tools.
4. Learn about lupus so you can better manage it.
5. Develop healthy and open communication with your physicians.
6. Follow your treatment regimen and don't be afraid to ask questions.
7. Talk to others with lupus. I am 56, have systemic lupus with organ involvement, and lead a very full and happy life. :-)
8. Stay out of the sun PERIOD!

There is no cure for lupus. You will have it for life. That said, you can learn to manage the lupus, work with your doctors and have a good life. Sure, it will be a little different from those who do not have lupus. You are the one who creates your new life with lupus. It is possible!  (+ info)

acute cutaneous lupus erythematosus is a skin desease how to protect ?


Take a look at this story written by one of our patients, hopefully it should answer a few questions for you: http://www.lupus.org.uk/patients/claire.htm

Also you can send questions to our lupus nurseonline who provides a free service: http://www.lupus.org.uk/onlinenurse.htm

Hope that helps.  (+ info)

Itching remedies for cutaneous lupus?


I've got photosensitive cutaneous lupus and I break out in itchy hives and rashes all the time, even though I take my plaquenil and steroids and put on sunscreen. Does anyone know of any good products I can get from the drugstore or home remedies I can try to curb the itching? It's really torturous!
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yes. there is a store in ga cold ulta. you can go to ulta.com and see if there is one near you. look for neostrata prducts.
go to this link
http://www.neostrata.com/store/product_category.asp?cat_cid=6
scroll down and look at the product called pds extra strenght cream. i used to work in the dermatology field. my dad has really bad dry skin from diabetes. this stuff works. it is best to put on at night. doesnt smell the greatest but works. put any creams on when getting out of the shower within a few min, your body will absorb more moisture. the hotter the shower the more it will dry out your skin. good luck. p.s. neostrata is the founder of alpha hydroxys so it is a good cream. anyone that wants to market their product as age defying has to buy tha patent from them...:)  (+ info)

How much should people with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus pay for the insurance in USA?


im not an american n im with Systemic Lupus Erythematosuscan. can i buy insurance there?? if i can, how much should i pay for irt?? after i having insurance, how much should i pay when i go see the doctor and get the medicine??
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Answers to your three questions in the order you asked them:

1. Yes, you can.

2. More than $1/year, but less than $10,000/year.

3. Depends on your specific insurance plan.

Hope that helps! lol.  (+ info)

Can Systemic LUPUS Erythematosus cause swelling in ONE HAND ONLY?


The fingertips of my right hand are swollen, even turning purplish yesterday. My left hand is fine - no change. And my feet aren't swelling, either. Just the finger tips of my right hand.
Or it might be scleroderma.
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You might need a venus doppler test to see if you have good blood flow to that hand. Blue finger tips indicate poor blood flow.  (+ info)

What exactly is cutaneous lupus?


I've just been diagnosed with cutaneous lupus a little while ago. I've read a page or two about it, but I'm not sure I fully understand.

What are the effects of it, and is it caused by anything?
And if there is anything you think I should know about it, please tell me.
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Cutaneous lupus — which accounts for about 10% of all lupus cases — affects only the skin and can create various kinds of skin lesions. A red, raised, scaly, coin-shaped rash is the classic rash that appears with this form of lupus. This localized rash occurs most frequently on the face, although it may appear on other parts of the body as well. Scarring often develops as the rash heals. Because exposure to ultraviolet light often triggers cutaneous lupus, it is recommended that individuals with this form limit their sun exposure and use sunscreen when out of doors. Some people with cutaneous lupus go on to develop systemic lupus erythematous (SLE) I hope i helped  (+ info)

What gene causes lupus erythematosus and what protein is involved?


Researchers have identified more than six genes that MAY be involved. Go to www.lupus.org and read the blogs. You will find the very newest information there.  (+ info)

What types of cell surface protein malfunction cause Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Cystic Fibrosis?


This site will have answers to all of your questions!

http://www.medicinenet.com/systemic_lupus/article.htm#1whatis  (+ info)

why is the butterfly rash in systemic lupus erythematosus was called such?


other than being shaped like a butterfly, are there any other mechanisms on why this butterfly-like appearance or rashes becomes visible on the affected patients? I hope you could help me. thanks!
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Only 30% of patients with lupus have a butterfly rash.
Since Lupus is a system disease, meaning inside. Lupus can affect kidneys, joints, blood etc. As eczema it's an autoimmune disease.
I know I'm off topic....
The butterfly rash will get worse with sunlight as most lupus patients are photosensitive, like having sensitive skin, it'll act like a sunburn.
It's an anti-inflammatory action of the body.  (+ info)

Can Systemic lupus erythematosus appear in teens?


im 13, and i have some odd things going on with my body. I sometimes get a burning, tingling sensation in my arm and legs, my face gets hot easy, i get really light head and have rainbow flashes in my eyes, and feel my pulse in parts of my body (as a heavy, uncomfortable beating). i look up my "symptoms" and lupus came up. im scared i have it. could lupus appear in teens? if not then what could i have?
Well, i probably should have mentioned i have depression and severe anxiety, but the flashes in my eyes im still worried about. Maybe low blood pressure?
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Yes, lupus is often diagnosed in teenagers. My wife was diagnosed at age 15 and my daughter was diagnosed at 13. However, they actually exhibited signs of Lupus whereas the signs/symptoms you are talking about really aren't specific to Lupus. You need a complete evaluation by a doctor.  (+ info)

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