Top 5 Facts and Myths About Lupus

Understanding the Different Types of Lupus

Not all lupus is the same; several types affect the body in distinct ways. Recognising these differences is essential for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. At Manipal Hospital Mysuru, our multidisciplinary team is equipped to identify the specific type of lupus and tailor a personalised care plan to manage it effectively.

Given below is a brief description of the types of Lupus:

1. Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) – the most common and serious form. This type can affect multiple organs throughout your body. The kidneys, heart, lungs, and brain are often involved.

2. Cutaneous Lupus affects only the skin. You might see rashes, especially the butterfly-shaped rash across the cheeks and nose. This type doesn't usually affect internal organs.

3. Drug-induced Lupus is seen when certain medications trigger lupus-like symptoms. The symptoms of drug-induced lupus usually go away when you stop taking the medication. This type rarely affects major organs.

4. Neonatal Lupus, as the name suggests, affects newborn babies whose mothers have certain antibodies. The baby might develop a rash or heart problems. Most symptoms disappear as the mother's antibodies leave the baby's system.

Since there are several types of Lupus with variable clinical presentation, there is a widespread difference in how the general public perceive the condition. This has given rise to several misconceptions about the conditions that have led to a social stigma. Discussed here are a few must-know facts and myths about Lupus:

Fact 1: Lupus Is an Autoimmune Disease

Lupus occurs when the immune system mistakes healthy cells for threats. It then produces antibodies that attack the body’s own tissues, leading to chronic inflammation in various organs. Unlike infections, lupus is not contagious and does not spread from person to person.

• The immune attack causes inflammation and tissue damage.

• Lupus flare-ups often occur unpredictably.

Fact 2: Lupus Is Not Rare in India

Estimates place lupus disease prevalence in India at 3.2 to 60 per 100,000. Underdiagnosis means real numbers may be higher. Women outnumber men roughly 9:1. Onset peaks in mid-to-late 20s but can occur by age 12. Childhood lupus shows a 1:3.2 male-to-female ratio. Common presentations include fever, anaemia, nephritis, and rash.

Fact 3: Lupus Affects More Than Just Joints

Lupus causes more than joint pain. It can also attack the skin, kidneys, heart, lungs, and brain.

• Lupus may manifest with varying skin and mucosal symptoms. While skin may show a malar or butterfly rash typically across the cheeks and nose, discois lesions, macules, papules, scaly patches leading to scarring, or rashes that may worsen on sun exposure (a sign of photosensitivity), mucosal presentations will include ulcers in the mouth or nasal cavity.

• Lupus nephritis affects half of patients, risking kidney failure without early treatment.

• Pericarditis or pleuritis causes sharp chest pain and breathlessness during flares.

• Nervous system involvement can lead to seizures, memory loss, mood swings, or strokes.

Fact 4: Symptoms Vary Widely and Can Be Vague

No two lupus cases are the same. You might feel joint pain, fatigue, or fever one day. The next day, you may notice a skin rash or chest pain. Common lupus symptoms include:

• Joint pain and stiffness.

• Butterfly-shaped rash across the cheeks and nose.

• Extreme fatigue that limits daily activities.

• Fever without an obvious infection.

Many people with lupus “don’t look sick”. That invisibility makes early detection challenging.
 
Fact 5: Treatment Exists

The reality about lupus treatment includes both hope and challenges. While no cure exists, modern medications can control symptoms and prevent organ damage in most people.

• Anti-inflammatory medications form the foundation of most treatment plans.

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) help with joint pain and swelling.

• Corticosteroids provide powerful anti-inflammatory effects but come with significant lupus side effects when used long-term.

• Antimalarial drugs like hydroxychloroquine work well for skin rashes and mild joint symptoms.

Myth 1: Lupus Spreads Like a Cold

One of the most persistent myths is, "Is lupus contagious?" The answer is absolutely not. Lupus disease cannot spread from person to person through any form of contact. You can't catch it by touching, kissing, sharing food, or being intimate with someone who has lupus.
 
This misconception stems from confusion about what causes lupus. Since many illnesses are infectious, people naturally assume lupus might be too. The reality is completely different - lupus is an autoimmune disease, not an infection.

Myth 2: Only Women Get Lupus Disease

While women make up the majority of lupus cases, men and children can develop lupus disease too. This gender disparity leads to the misconception that lupus is exclusively a woman's disease, which can delay diagnosis in male patients.
 
Men with lupus often experience different symptom patterns than women. They might have more kidney involvement and less joint pain. The hormonal differences between men and women likely contribute to these variations in disease presentation.

Myth 3: Lupus Is Just Another Form of Arthritis

Many people confuse lupus disease with arthritis because joint pain is a common symptom. Arthritis typically affects joints exclusively, causing pain, stiffness, and swelling. Lupus symptoms can include joint problems but extend to virtually every organ system. The skin, kidneys, heart, lungs, and brain can all become targets of the autoimmune attack.

The joint pain in lupus also differs from typical arthritis. Lupus arthritis rarely causes the bone destruction seen in rheumatoid arthritis. Instead, it tends to be migratory, moving from joint to joint, and often improves with anti-inflammatory treatment.

Myth 4: Lupus Equals Cancer or HIV/AIDS

Both HIV/AIDS and cancer involve serious immune or cell dysfunction. Yet lupus differs entirely. HIV/AIDS involves an underactive immune system that can't fight off infections. Lupus creates the opposite problem – an overactive immune system that attacks the body's own tissues. The immune dysfunction in lupus doesn't make you more susceptible to infections in the same way HIV does. Lupus treatment sometimes involves immunosuppressive medications that can increase infection risk slightly.

Myth 5: Pregnancy Is Impossible with Lupus

Many women worry that lupus makes pregnancy impossible or extremely dangerous. While lupus does create additional risks during pregnancy, many women with lupus have healthy babies with proper medical care.
 
Some women actually experience improvement in lupus symptoms during pregnancy, possibly due to hormonal changes. However, the risk of flares increases after delivery, so careful monitoring continues throughout the postpartum period.

Living Well with Lupus Disease

Managing lupus disease successfully requires a comprehensive approach that goes beyond medications. Lifestyle modifications play crucial roles in controlling symptoms and preventing flares.

• Sun protection becomes essential for most people with lupus. Ultraviolet light can trigger flares and worsen skin symptoms. Using sunscreen daily, wearing protective clothing, and avoiding peak sun hours help prevent problems.

• Regular exercise helps maintain joint flexibility and fights the fatigue that affects most lupus patients. Low-impact activities like swimming, walking, or yoga provide benefits without stressing painful joints. Listen to your body and adjust activity levels based on how you feel.

• Stress management techniques can help reduce flare frequency. Chronic stress might trigger autoimmune activity, making symptoms worse. Meditation, deep breathing exercises, or counselling can provide valuable tools for managing stress.

• Fatigue is one of the most common and debilitating symptoms of lupus. Establishing good sleep hygiene, treating sleep disorders, and pacing activities throughout the day help combat exhaustion.

Why Lupus Awareness Matters

Raising lupus awareness helps drive early diagnosis and research. It encourages more funding for better treatments. Awareness campaigns also combat stigma. When people understand lupus disease, they support those affected with empathy.
 

Conclusion

At Manipal Hospital Mysuru, we are committed to supporting patients with expert care and comprehensive management. By spreading awareness, you contribute to a healthier future for everyone affected by this complex autoimmune disease.

Lupus may feel overwhelming, but knowledge is your best ally. Recognise the facts, debunk the myths, and act on reliable information. Early diagnosis and proper management help you live well with lupus. By sharing these insights, you promote better health for everyone touched by this complex disease.