Lupus Diagnosis Criteria

Lupus is identified through clinical findings such as skin rashes, nasal ulcers, joint pain, and organ involvement, along with laboratory markers like antinuclear antibodies and c-reactive protein levels. A confirmed diagnosis requires meeting established diagnostic criteria, including a combination of symptoms, hematologic abnormalities, and immunologic tests.

The four main types of lupus are systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), cutaneous lupus erythematosus, drug-induced lupus, and neonatal lupus. SLE patients experience multi-organ involvement, while cutaneous lupus primarily affects the skin, and drug-induced lupus resolves after stopping the triggering medication.

Lupus has no cure, but early disease detection and targeted management can control symptoms and prevent complications. Treatment focuses on suppressing the immune response, reducing inflammation, and addressing organ-specific damage, such as renal disorders and hematologic abnormalities.