Lupus Erythematous: The Butterfly Effect
Lupus erythematosus (LE) first originated in 1833 by many physicians throughout the historical periods of; the classical period, the neoclassical period, and the modern period. During the classical period of the 1800s, lupus was first coined. It comes from the Latin word ‘wolf’ that attributed to the thirteenth century by physician Rogerius who used the word to describe erosive facial lesions that manifested from a wolf’s bite (Lupus Foundation of America, n.d.). In the neoclassical period of the 1900s, scientists discovered that there are many sub forms of lupus, the most common type known as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). SLE has many other forms of names such as discoid and disseminated lupus. …show more content…
The immune system, unfortunately, attacks healthy cells, tissue, and organs, including the skin, kidneys, heart, lungs, brain, joints, and blood vessels (Ferenkeh-Koroma, 2012). Lupus cannot be contracted nor transmitted through bodily fluids, blood, or by airborne elements, however, the exact cause of SLE is still unknown. Meanwhile, several factors have been associated with causing the disease, such as genetics, the environment, and certain gender and hormones. The pathophysiology of SLE is mediated by several factors including vasculitis, anemia, arthritis, thrombocytopenia to psychosis, inflammation of serosal membrane, nephritis, and seizures (Bartels, n.d.). Furthermore, there is no relation to cancers nor the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), but lupus can increase the risk of becoming susceptible those diseases. Recent studies have estimated at least 1.5 million Americans have lupus with more than 16,000 new cases reported (Lupus Foundation of America, n.d.). Common diagnoses of lupus occur in women of childbearing age especially African Americans. However, anyone can be affected by lupus at any time. Usually, signs and symptoms developed between ages of 15 and 44. Individuals diagnosed with this disease can live a normal life with longer remissions …show more content…
However, pharmacological therapy can relieve symptoms and protect the organs by decreasing inflammation. Medication prescribed is based on the individual’s severity and disease manifestations. Temporarily, lifestyle and home remedies have shown to help relieve flare-ups and to cope better with symptoms. These treatments consist of keeping all follow-up doctor appointments, getting adequate rest, wearing protective clothing and sunscreen to protect from photosensitivity, exercising daily, eliminating or decreasing smoking habits, and eating a healthy diet (Kaur, 2015). Pharmaceuticals consist