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Lupus erythematosus is a connective tissue disease.^[1] Lupus is a chronic inflammatory disease that occurs when the body's immune system attacks its own tissues and organs. Inflammation caused by lupus can affect many different body systems, including joints, skin, kidneys, blood cells, heart, and lungs. Lupus occurs more frequently in women than men,^[2] although the reasons for this are unknown. Four types of lupus exist — systemic lupus erythematosus, discoid lupus erythematosus, drug-induced lupus erythematosus and neonatal lupus. Of these, systemic lupus erythematosus is the most common and serious form of lupus. With treatment, most people with lupus can lead active lives.^{[citation needed]}

[edit] Types

Lupus erythematosus may manifest as a systemic disease or in purely cutaneous forms, categorized into the following types:^[3]

• Chronic cutaneous lupus erythematosus
  • Discoid lupus erythematosus
    • Childhood discoid lupus erythematosus
    • Generalized discoid lupus erythematosus
    • Localized discoid lupus erythematosus
  • Chilblain lupus erythematosus (Hutchinson)
  • Lupus erythematosus-lichen planus overlap syndrome
  • Lupus erythematosus panniculitis (Lupus erythematosus profundus)
  • Subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus
  • Tumid lupus erythematosus
  • Verrucous lupus erythematosus (Hypertrophic lupus erythematosus)
• Complement deficiency syndromes
• Drug-induced lupus erythematosus
• Neonatal lupus erythematosus
• Systemic lupus erythematosus

[edit] See also

• Lupus band test
• Cicatricial alopecia
• List of skin-related conditions
• Skin disease
• Skin lesions

[edit] References