What is Butterfly Disease (Lupus)?

What is Butterfly Disease (Lupus)?

Butterfly disease, medically known as Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), is an autoimmune disease. Autoimmune diseases are conditions in which the immune system begins to attack body tissues normally. SLE is a disease that causes damage to various organs and tissues of the body as a result of these attacks.

SLE is a disease whose symptoms and severity can vary from person to person. However, it often shows symptoms in the form of redness and rash on the skin. For this reason, it is also called “butterfly disease”; Because it is typical to have a butterfly-shaped red rash on the face, nose and cheeks. However, SLE can also affect the joints, kidneys, lungs, heart, and other internal organs.

The exact cause of SLE is not clearly known, but it is thought that various factors such as genetic factors, environmental factors and hormones may play a role in the emergence of the disease. This disease is generally more common in young women, but can occur at any age and in any gender.

Treatment of SLE may vary depending on the severity of symptoms and the organs it affects. Treatment usually includes anti-inflammatory medications, corticosteroids, and immune-suppressing drugs. Early diagnosis and regular follow-up can help prevent complications of SLE and keep symptoms under control. Therefore, it is important to contact a healthcare professional when potential symptoms are noticed.

What Causes Butterfly Disease (Lupus)?

The exact cause of lupus, also known as butterfly disease, is not fully known. However, several factors are thought to contribute to the development of this disease.

There are some clues pointing to the interaction of genetic, environmental and immune system factors in the formation of Lupus:

• Genetic Factors:

Genetic predisposition may increase the risk of lupus. Family history may carry genetic factors that may increase risk.

• Hormonal Changes:

Hormonal changes can cause lupus symptoms to worsen. Especially in women, changes in hormone levels (for example, pregnancy, use of birth control pills, or menopause) can affect lupus symptoms.

• Environmental Factors:

It is thought that some environmental factors may increase the risk of lupus. Prolonged exposure to sunlight, certain medications, infections, and chemicals can trigger or exacerbate lupus symptoms.

• Immune System Abnormalities:

A key feature of lupus is that the immune system normally attacks its own body cells. Due to these immune system abnormalities, inflammation and tissue damage can occur in the body.

What are The Symptoms of Butterfly Disease (Lupus)?

Butterfly disease, also known as lupus, is a chronic autoimmune disease that develops as a result of the immune system attacking its own tissues and organs. These attacks can affect many organs, including the skin, joints, kidneys, blood cells, brain, heart and lungs.

Butterfly disease symptoms may vary depending on which organs the disease affects.

The most common symptoms are:

• Butterfly Shaped Rash on Face, Chest and Arms:

It is a butterfly-shaped rash seen in the middle part of the face, especially in the middle part of the nose and cheeks. It can cause a rash, red, scaly, and scarring.

• Joint Pain and Swelling:

Joint pain and swelling usually occurs in the hands, wrists, elbows, shoulders, knees and feet.

• Tiredness:

Patients may have difficulty performing normal activities due to fatigue.

• Fire:

Fever is usually low and occurs intermittently.

• Weight Loss:

Patients may experience unexplained weight loss.

• Muscle Pain:

Muscle pain usually occurs in the arms, legs and back.

• Pale Colour:

Patients’ skin may appear pale.

• Inflammation in the Lungs:

It can cause shortness of breath, cough and chest pain.

• Inflammation in the Kidneys:

It can cause blood and protein in the urine.

• Disorders in Blood Cells:

This may cause anemia, thrombocytopenia and leukopenia.

Symptoms of butterfly disease may become more severe as the disease progresses.

In addition to the symptoms mentioned, patients may also experience symptoms such as headache, fainting, forgetfulness, dementia, depression, hair loss, sores in the mouth, inflammation of the eyes and inflammation of the heart.

Lupus can affect many different areas and organs of the body, so symptoms can vary from person to person.

What are The Symptoms of Butterfly Disease in Babies?

Symptoms of butterfly disease in babies usually appear immediately after birth. Butterfly disease in babies may vary in severity depending on its type. Some babies have milder symptoms, while others may experience more serious problems.

Some of the symptoms may include:

• Easily crusting, wounds and cuts on the skin
• Wounds on nipples, mouth, nose and eyelids
• Difficulty swallowing (for example, inability to eat or difficulty swallowing food)
• Skeletal deformities such as bendable fingers and feet
• Difficulties in the teething process

What are The Types of Butterfly Disease (Lupus)?

Butterfly Disease (Lupus) is an autoimmune disease that can have different types and variations.

Types of butterfly diseases can be:

1. Systemic Lupus Erythematosis (SLE):

It is the most common type of lupus and can affect many different parts of the body. It can cause inflammation and damage to the skin, joints, kidneys, lungs, heart and other internal organs.

2. Discoid Lupus Erythematosis (DLE):

It is a species that shows symptoms especially on the skin. In this type, the rashes appear as oval or round rashes similar to butterfly-shaped facial rashes.

3. Substream Lupus (Subacute Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosis):

It causes inflammation in the layers of the skin close to the surface. Symptoms may increase with exposure to sunlight.

4. Inducible Lupus Erythematosis:

It occurs when exposed to certain medications, light exposure, or chemicals. Symptoms usually improve after drug or substance exposure ends.

5. Nuclear Antibody Positive Lupus:

It refers to a condition in which patients have antibodies associated with certain lupus on antibody tests but do not yet have symptoms.

Types of lupus reflect the different symptoms of the disease and the body parts it affects. The treatment approach and prognosis of each type may be different.

What are The Risk Factors for Butterfly Disease (Lupus)?

It is known that there are 1.5 million people in the world with this disease. There are some risk factors that may cause the development of the disease, which is more common in women.

Among these;

• Race:

The incidence is higher in people of African, Asian and Native American ancestry.

• Gender:

90% of people with this disease are women. It is thought that hormonal balances may be the reason for the increased risk of lupus in women.

• Family History:

If there are people in your family with lupus, this may increase your risk of developing it.

How to Diagnose Butterfly Disease (Lupus)?

To diagnose lupus, a doctor must carefully base it on a patient’s symptoms, medical history, and physical examination.

Getting a diagnosis of lupus usually involves a multi-step process and includes the following steps:

• The first step is a detailed review of the patient’s medical history and symptoms. The doctor tries to learn about the patient’s symptoms, how long the symptoms have persisted, the severity of the symptoms, and which organs they affect.
• The doctor physically examines the patient and checks for skin rashes, joint swelling, swollen lymph nodes, or other findings.

• Antinuclear Antibody (ANA) Test:

This test is positive in many patients with lupus.

• Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR):

It measures inflammation markers.

• Complete Blood Count:

It evaluates the number and types of blood cells.

• Some special blood tests, such as antiphospholipid antibodies or immune system tests, may be needed to detect the underlying cause of the disease or certain types of lupus.

• Urine Test:

It is performed to evaluate kidney functions.

• Imaging of Related Organs:

Imaging tests such as x-ray, ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be needed to evaluate which organs lupus affects.

What are The Treatments for Butterfly Disease (Lupus)?

Treatment of butterfly disease (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus) may vary depending on the severity of the disease, the prevalence of symptoms and the organs it affects. Treatment focuses on controlling symptoms, slowing disease progression, and preventing organ damage.

Three main treatment approaches are generally used to treat SLE:

1. Drug Treatment:

• Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs):

It is used for mild joint pain and swelling.

• Antimalarial Drugs:

It may be effective for skin symptoms and joint pain.

• Corticosteroids:

It is used to reduce inflammation and suppress the immune system. However, long-term use may cause side effects, so low doses and short-term use are preferred.

• Immunosuppressive Drugs:

It is used to suppress the immune system and may be effective in treating severe forms of the disease.

2. Treatments for Specific Symptoms to Treat the Damage Caused by the Disease to Organs:

• Kidney Disease:

Special medications and dietary changes may be made to treat kidney failure.

• Skin Symptoms:

Sun protection and skin care are important.

• Neurological Symptoms:

Steroids and other immunosuppressive medications may be used.

3. Supportive Treatments:

• Exercise and Physical Therapy:

It is used to increase joint mobility and provide strength.

• Psychological Support:

Psychological support and counseling are important to cope with the effects of the disease.

• Dietary Regulations:

Changes in diet can improve the patient’s overall health and symptoms.

Treatment may vary depending on the patient’s condition. And it requires constant monitoring.

The course of the disease may be unpredictable. Therefore, regular check-ups and doctor’s guidance are important to protect the patient’s health.

The treatment plan may change with the severity of symptoms and progression of the disease, so it is important to follow your doctor’s directions.

How Should Wound Care Be In Case of Butterfly Disease? What are The Things to Pay Attention To?

In patients with butterfly disease (lupus), wounds caused by the disease may occur. These sores usually occur on the skin and may appear as open sores or blisters. It is important to properly care for wounds and prevent the risk of infection.

Here are some care tips for butterfly disease sores:

• Keep Wounds Clean and Dry:

You can gently use soap and water to clean the wounds. Dry the wounds thoroughly and apply a moisturizing lotion or cream.

• Provide Wound Care Regularly:

Regular care of wounds reduces the risk of infection. Clean and dress wounds daily.

• Avoid Applying Pressure to Wounds:

Do not rub or rub wounds, as this may increase the risk of infection. Also, do not place anything heavy or put pressure on the wounds.

• Be Careful About Sun Exposure:

Sun exposure can worsen butterfly disease symptoms and delay wound healing. Therefore, avoid sun exposure or wear sun-protective clothing or a hat.

• Stay in Touch with Your Doctor:

When left untreated, butterfly disease sores can become infected and lead to complications. Therefore, to make sure the wounds are healing, stay in touch with your doctor and let him know any concerns you have about the wounds.

Frequently Asked Questions About Butterfly Disease

• Is Butterfly Disease Permanent?

The course of butterfly disease may vary from person to person. While some people may be completely free of symptoms of the disease, others may have to struggle with symptoms throughout their lives. The severity and course of the disease may be affected by genetic factors and response to treatment.

• At What Age Does Butterfly Disease (Lupus) Appear?

Lupus disease, which can be life-threatening if left untreated, is most common in women between the ages of 15 and 45 and in reproductive age. It is seen much more rarely in children, the elderly and men.

• What is The Frequency of Butterfly Disease (Lupus)?

Although there is no clear statistical data on this issue in Turkey, it is estimated that it is seen in 40 to 100 people per 100 thousand people in the countries where research was conducted.

• Does Butterfly Disease (Lupus) Turn into Cancer?

According to research, the probability of the disease turning into cancer is very low. Therefore, in most cases, there is no risk of cancer. However, fractures and collapses may occur as a result of decreased blood flow in the bones.