HOMESTEAD LUPUS SUPPORT GROUP MEETINGS:
Meetings will be held every 3rd Wednesday of each month.
Homestead Hospital, 975 Baptist Way (Campbell drive SW 312 St & 147 Ave), Time: 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Light refreshments will be provided. Meetings are for Adults only. For more information, go to www.hlsupport.org or email me at [email protected]
To obtain more information about lupus or to research information posted on my blogs. Please refer to the following Popular Links:
www.lupus.org
www.healingwell.com
www.emedicinehealth.com
lupus.webmd.com/default.htm
www.niams.nih.gov/hi/topics/lupus/tengo/english.htm
The more we know... the more we can find a cure.
WHAT IS LUPUS?
Lupus is a condition of chronic inflammation caused by an autoimmune disease. Autoimmune diseases are illnesses that occur when the body's tissues are attacked by its own immune system. The immune system is a complex system within the body that is designed to fight infectious agents, for example, bacteria, and other foreign invaders. One of the mechanisms that the immune system uses to fight infections is the production of antibodies. Patients with lupus produce abnormal antibodies in their blood that target tissues within their own body rather than foreign infectious agents. Because the antibodies and accompanying cells of inflammation can involve tissues anywhere in the body, lupus has the potential to affect a variety of areas of the body. Sometimes lupus can cause disease of the skin, heart, lungs, kidneys, joints, and/or nervous system. When only the skin is involved, the condition is called discoid lupus. When internal organs are involved, the condition is called systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
Both discoid and systemic lupus are more common in women than men (about eight times more common). The disease can affect all ages but most commonly begins from age 20 to 45 years. It is more frequent in African-Americans and people of Chinese and Japanese descent.
I would like to meet other people around the world who are dealing with the same disease as me, LUPUS. Would like to help as much as I can and start a support group in my area. I would like to inform and educate others about Lupus in any way that I can.
Definition of Butterfly rashButterfly rash: A red, flat facial rash over the bridge of the nose. Over half of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) develop this characteristic rash. Because of its shape, it is frequently referred to as the "butterfly rash" of lupus.The butterfly rash of lupus is typically painless and does not itch. Along with inflammation in other organs, the butterfly rash of lupus can be precipitated or worsened by exposure to sunlight, a condition called photosensitivity. The photosensitivity can be accompanied by a worsening of inflammation throughout the body, causing a "flare" of the disease.A "butterfly" rash can also occur in other conditions such as rosacea.