Page 18 - Florida Sentinel 4-8-22

Health
WHAT IS LUPUS?
Lupus is a lifelong disorder of the immune system. Im- mune cells attack the body's own healthy tissues, leading to inflammation and tissue damage. Symptoms may be limited to the skin, but more often lupus also causes internal prob- lems such as joint pain. In severe cases, it can damage the heart, kidneys, and other vital organs. Although there's no cure, there are treatments that can minimize the damage.
JOINT PAIN
Joint and muscle pain is often the first sign of lupus. This pain tends to occur on both sides of the body at the same time, particularly in the joints of the wrists, hands, fingers, and knees. The joints may look inflamed and feel warm to the touch. But unlike rheuma- toid arthritis, lupus usually does not cause permanent joint damage.
HAIR LOSS
The symptoms of lupus tend to come and go, and this includes hair loss. Patients may go through periods where their hair falls out in patches or becomes thinner all across the scalp. Once the flare-up is over, new hair is likely to grow back.
A tell-tale sign of lupus is a but- terfly-shaped rash across the cheeks and bridge of the nose. Other com- mon skin problems include sensi- tivity to the sun with flaky, red spots or a scaly, purple rash on various parts of the body, including the face, neck, and arms. Some people also develop mouth sores.
NAIL CHANGES
Lupus can cause the nails to crack or fall off. They may be dis- colored with blue or reddish spots at the base. These spots are actually in the nail bed, the result of inflamed small blood vessels. Swelling may also make the skin around the base of the nail look red and puffy.
Many people with lupus are unusually sensitive to the sun and other forms of ultraviolet light. A day at the beach may trigger a skin rash in areas exposed to sun- light and may worsen other lupus symptoms. Certain medications can make people with lupus even more sensitive to UV light.
RAYNAUD'S PHENOMENON
Some people with lupus de- velop a condition called Ray- naud's phenomenon. Their fingers and toes become painful, numb, and tingly in response to cold temperatures or emotional stress. This happens when small blood vessels spasm and restrict blood flow to the area. During an attack, the fingers and toes may turn white or blue. People can also have Raynaud's without hav- ing lupus or any serious health complications.
BUTTERFLY RASH
LIGHT SENSITIVITY
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