Lupus

Lupus affects people of all ages, including children, but women are 10 times more likely than men to develop the disease. The Rheumatic Disease Center’s experienced team provides comprehensive treatment for lupus at offices in Milwaukee and Glendale, Wisconsin. Call the nearest office today or use the online booking feature to schedule an appointment. Learn if your skin rashes, fatigue, and aching muscles and joints are caused by lupus.

What is lupus?

Lupus is an autoimmune disease that begins when your immune system mistakenly attacks healthy body tissues. The disease often causes inflammation in your muscles, joints, and skin. Lupus can also damage nearly any organ and tissue, including your heart, lungs, kidneys, brain, and blood cells.

What symptoms develop due to lupus?

Lupus symptoms alternate between flare-ups and temporary remission. Flare-up triggers include sunlight, viral illnesses, injuries, stress, and some medications.

Nearly everyone with lupus experiences fatigue and a low-grade fever. Other symptoms depend on which organs are affected. You can experience:

• Butterfly-shaped rash across your cheeks and nose
• Skin rashes (coin-shaped and widespread)
• Chest pain
• Muscle aches
• Dry eyes
• Headaches
• Mouth sores
• Sensitivity to sunlight
• Confusion or memory loss
• Joint pain and stiffness
• White or blue fingers and toes during cold weather or when you’re stressed

Skin problems appear in more than 80% of lupus patients. The butterfly-shaped rash is the most common, but you can develop a generic rash resembling many skin conditions.

How is lupus diagnosed?

The early signs of lupus resemble those of several other diseases. For this reason, see the rheumatology experts at the Rheumatic Disease Center right away. They specialize in accurately diagnosing lupus using a physical exam, symptom evaluation, and on-site X-rays and lab tests.

How is lupus treated?

Lupus treatment typically begins with immunosuppressant medication. These medicines calm your immune system and stop it from attacking healthy tissues.

If your provider recommends an advanced biologic medication to reduce your symptoms during a flare-up, you can get the treatment in their on-site infusion therapy center.

Your provider could prescribe one of several medications and therapies to:

• Manage pain
• Lessen inflammation
• Prevent flare-ups
• Reduce antibodies attacking tissues
• Treat lupus-related arthritis, rashes, and mouth sores

It’s also essential to use sunscreens and wear protective clothing. Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light is a significant lupus trigger for most people.

During an active phase, lupus increases your risk of other severe conditions, including clogged arteries (atherosclerosis) and kidney disease. Your provider closely monitors your health and recommends treatments to prevent complications.

Call the Rheumatic Disease Center or book an appointment online when you first notice lupus symptoms. Early treatment helps slow the progressive inflammation and prevent organ damage.