Page 26 - The Autoimmune Protocol

The Autoimmune Protocol

no two cases are quite alike. One
symptom that can make diagnosis
easier is the presence of a rash on
the face, below the cheeks. This
rash is called a “butterfly-shaped”
rash because of the way it spreads
across the face. However, not all
people with Lupus will have this
rash.

Symptoms of Lupus include
persistent fatigue, a butterfly-
shaped rash, fevers, skin lesions
that appear after sun exposure,
joint pain and stiffness, chest pain,
confusion, headaches, shortness of
breath, and fingers and toes that
turn white or blue when exposed to
stress or cold.

Lupus Triggers
Although the exact causes of this autoimmune disease are unknown, various triggers have
been experienced by those with the disease. One common trigger is sunlight. It seems that
exposure to sunlight may actually trigger an autoimmune response in those with this
condition. This in turn may bring about skin lesions and flare ups. Another trigger is a
recent infection. When someone with an autoimmune disease contracts an infection, their
immune system becomes active. This may trigger a flare up. Some medications can cause
flare ups for those with Lupus. Medications like antibiotics, blood pressure medications,
and anti-seizure medications all may cause flare ups. The only good thing is that most
people with Lupus experience relief from medicine-induced flare ups when they stop
taking it.

Risk Factors
There are several specific risk factors for Lupus. One risk factor is sex. As with so many
autoimmune diseases, women are more affected than men. Another risk factor is race.
Lupus seems to be more prevalent in women who are African-American, Asian, or
Hispanic. Age is another risk factor. Most cases of Lupus are diagnosed when the patient
is between the ages of fifteen and forty-five.

Reducing Inflammation
Because inflammation causes so many issues with autoimmune diseases, and especially
Lupus, one way many people deal with it is to treat the inflammatory reaction. Those

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