Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that can affect various parts of the body. It is also known as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and is characterized by inflammation and damage to different organs and tissues. The exact cause of lupus is unknown, but it is believed to be a combination of genetic, environmental, and hormonal factors.
There are several synonyms for lupus that are commonly used in medical literature and discussions. These include:
- Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE): This is the full medical term for lupus and is often used interchangeably with the term "lupus." It emphasizes the systemic nature of the disease, as it can affect multiple organs and systems in the body.
- Discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE): This form of lupus primarily affects the skin, causing characteristic disc-shaped rashes and lesions. Unlike SLE, DLE usually does not involve major organ involvement.
- Cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE): This term refers to lupus that primarily affects the skin. It includes both discoid lupus erythematosus and other forms of lupus that manifest primarily on the skin.
- Subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus (SCLE): This is a subtype of CLE that is characterized by photosensitivity and scaly, coin-shaped rashes on sun-exposed areas of the body.
- Neonatal lupus: This rare form of lupus affects newborn babies and is usually temporary. It is believed to be caused by the transfer of autoantibodies from the mother to the fetus during pregnancy.
It is important to note that while these terms are used to describe different manifestations of lupus, they all fall under the broader category of systemic lupus erythematosus. Each subtype may have its own distinct features and treatment approaches, but they share the underlying autoimmune nature of the disease.