Lupus has several forms:
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), discoid (scarring rash only), drug-induced, (and neonatal).
SLE affects women nine times more often than men. Lupus and systemic erythematosus (SLE) are chronic autoimmune inflammatory diseases that can affect various parts of the body, especially the skin, joints, blood, and kidneys.
Classical lupus is easy to recognize: a young woman with fever, lymphadenopathy, butterfly rash, symmetrical small joint arthritis, alopecia (hair loss), pleuritic pain(sharp chest pain on breathing in), and proteinuria (protein in the urine).
However, most patients have symptoms in only one or two systems at onset; organ system involvement may develop over several years.
Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) follow three types of courses, chronic active, relapsing-remitting, and long-remitting.
The chronic active form is most common, accounting for about half of patient-years.
Blood tests may show certain antibodies.
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