Discoïde (cutaneous) lupus is still limited to the skin. It is identified by a rash that may appear on the face, neck and scalp. Discoid Lupus is diagnosed by examining a biopsy of the rash. In discoid lupus erythematosus biopsy show abnormalities that are not found in the skin without the rash. Lupus discoid does not generally involve the body 'internal organs. Consequently, the ANA test, a blood test used to detect systemic lupus can be negative in patients with discoid lupus. However, in many patients with discoid lupus, the ANA is positive, but at a low level or "titer. "
In about 10 percent of patients, discoid lupus can change in the systemic form of the disease, which can affect almost any organ or system of the body. This can not be predicted or prevented. Treatment discoid lupus will not prevent its progression to the systemic form. Those advances in the form of systemic lupus systemic had probably at the root, with the discoid rash as their main symptom.
Systemic lupus is usually more severe than discoid lupus and can affect almost any organ or system of the body. For some people, that the skin and joints will be involved. In others, joints, lungs, kidneys, blood, or other organs and / or tissues can be affected. In general, there are no two people with systemic lupus symptoms are identical. Systemic lupus do some periods during which, if any, symptoms are obvious ( "surrender") and other times when the disease becomes more active ( "rounded"). Most often, when people mention "lupus, ", they refer to the systemic form of the disease.
lupus drug-induced occurs after the use of certain prescription drugs. The symptoms of drug-induced lupus are similar to those of systemic lupus. The drugs most commonly associated with drug-induced lupus hydralazine (used to treat high blood pressure or hypertension) and procainamide (used to treat irregular heartbeat). Drug-induced lupus is more common among men who are given these drugs more often. However, not everyone who takes these drugs will develop lupus drug-induced. Only about 4 percent of people taking these drugs will develop antibodies suggestive of the disease. Of the 4 percent, only an extremely small number of openly develop lupus drug-induced. The symptoms usually fade when the drugs are discontinued.
