Types of Lupus

The main types of lupus are systemic lupus erythematosus or SLE, discoid lupus, drug induced lupus and neonatal lupus

The main types of lupus are systemic lupus erythematosus or SLE, discoid lupus, drug induced lupus and neonatal lupus.

SLE is considered the most common kind of lupus and the most serious form as well.

Discoid lupus as well as SLU are common in women than in men and is considered to be about 8 more times prevalent in women than in men.

Both types of lupus can affect people of all ages but are most common in the 20 to 45 age bracket. African Americans as well as those with Chinese and Japanese decent are the one mostly affected.

Lupus can also be categorized in various types such as acute cutaneous lupus erythematosus, subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus, chronic cutaneous lupus erythematosus, discoid lupus erythematosus, childhood discoid lupus erythematosus, generalized discoid lupus erythematosus, and localized discoid lupus erythematosus.

Other types of lupus are Chilblain lupus erythematosus or Hutchinson, lupus erythematosus-lichen planus overlap syndrome, lupus erythematosus panniculitis or Lupus erythematosus profundus, tumid lupus erythematosus, verrucous lupus erythematosus or Hypertrophic lupus erythematosus. Complement deficiency syndromes such as drug-induced lupus erythematosus, neonatal lupus erythematosus and systemic lupus erythematosus are also types of lupus.

A collection of autoimmune diseases is known as lupus erythematosus. This kind of lupus autoimmune disease is characterized by the he human immune system becoming hyperactive and invades the health and normal tissues. Symptoms of lupus erythematosus affect many various body systems such as kidneys, joints, skin, blood cells, heart, and the lungs.

The type of lupus known as childhood systemic lupus erythematosus is usually diagnosed in children between the ages of 3 and 15. Girls suffering from this type of lupus outnumber the boys by a 4:1 ratio. The typical skin manifestations in children sufferers are butterfly eruption on the face and photosensitivity.

The lupus SLE is an autoimmune connective tissue illness that can affect any part of the body. This type of SLE also makes the immune system invade the tissues and cells of the body which can cause inflammation and serious tissue damage. This lupus type is also known as a Type III hypersensitivity reaction mainly caused by antibody-immune complex formation.


  • Discoid Lupus ErythematosusDiscoid lupus erythematosus is characterized by red and scaly rashes or disk-shaped lesions developing in the face, hands, neck and upper back part.
  • Lupus ArthritisLupus arthritis appears in 35% of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients and joint pain is the first symptom of the disorder.
  • Systemic Lupus ErythematosusSystemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease affecting major systems and organs. Complications may arise needing long-tem treatment.
  • Cutaneous LupusCutaneous lupus is characterized by lesions or rashes triggered by exposure to sunlight.
  • Lupus NephritisLupus nephritis is a complication of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) where the kidney is inflamed.

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