![Are Lupus and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus the Same](https://images.medicinenet.com/images/article/main_image/systemic-lupus-erythematosus.jpg?output-quality=75)
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a type of lupus. It is the most common and most serious type that affects all parts of the body.
What Are the Four Types of Lupus?
The four types of lupus include:
What Are Symptoms of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus?
Symptoms of systemic lupus erythematosus include:
- Joint pain or swelling
- Fever
- Headache
- Extreme fatigue
- Sensitivity to light
- Sores in the mouth or nose
- Chest pain when inhaling deeply
- Raised red patches on the skin
- Butterfly-shaped rash on the cheeks and nose
- Hair loss
- Raynaud’s disease
- Muscle pain
- Weight loss
- Skin lesions
- Seizures or other nerve problems
- Blood clots, which can lead to stroke or seizures
- Blood abnormalities
- Respiratory problems
- Gastrointestinal problems
- Neurologic and psychiatric problems
- Eye problems
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Excess protein in the urine
What Is the Treatment for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus?
Systemic lupus erythematosus is usually treated with medications to help manage symptoms, such as:
- Immunosuppressives
- Anticoagulants
- Antimalarials (to help protect skin from rashes and UV light)
- Anti-inflammatories and steroids
- Biologics
Home treatment that may help patients manage symptoms of lupus include:
- Dietary modifications
- Some patients may need increased calories
- Daily multivitamin
- Vitamin D supplementation
- Salt restriction in patients with high blood pressure (hypertension) and/or kidney inflammation (nephritis)
- Management other medical conditions such as high blood pressure or osteoporosis
- Sun protection
- No smoking
- Exercising
- Vaccination as recommended by your doctor
- Influenza vaccine
- Pneumococcal vaccines
- Quadrivalent human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine
- Hepatitis B vaccine
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
From ![WebMD Logo](https://images.medicinenet.com/images/promo/logo_webmd.gif)
Healthy Resources
Featured Centers
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
Reviewed on 4/29/2022
References
Image Source:
https://www.lupus.org/
https://www.uptodate.com/contents/epidemiology-and-pathogenesis-of-systemic-lupus-erythematosus?search=What%20Causes%20Lupus%3F&source=search_result&selectedTitle=1~150&usage_type=default&display_rank=1#H7
https://www.uptodate.com/contents/clinical-manifestations-and-diagnosis-of-systemic-lupus-erythematosus-in-adults?search=Lupus&source=search_result&selectedTitle=1~150&usage_type=default&display_rank=1#H2215760526
https://www.cdc.gov/lupus/basics/women.htm
https://www.lupus.org/
https://www.uptodate.com/contents/epidemiology-and-pathogenesis-of-systemic-lupus-erythematosus?search=What%20Causes%20Lupus%3F&source=search_result&selectedTitle=1~150&usage_type=default&display_rank=1#H7
https://www.uptodate.com/contents/clinical-manifestations-and-diagnosis-of-systemic-lupus-erythematosus-in-adults?search=Lupus&source=search_result&selectedTitle=1~150&usage_type=default&display_rank=1#H2215760526
https://www.cdc.gov/lupus/basics/women.htm