6 stages of lupus nephritis Lupus nephritis is a kidney condition caused as a complication of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) or lupus. Lupus nephritis is classified into six stages depending on the microscopic studies of the glomeruli. Class I: Minimal mesangial lupus nephritis The earliest and mildest form of glomerular involvement is minimal mesangial lupus …

Watermelon may protect against heart disease There’s nothing like taking a bite of a piece of cool, sweet watermelon on a hot summer day. Besides being delicious and a way to beat the heat, eating watermelon offers lots of health benefits that you may not know about. Learn about watermelon's numerous benefits and why it should be on your menu …

Learn the six most common opportunistic infections in the United States. Most of the microorganisms that cause opportunistic infections (OIs) are extremely widespread, and a person may already be infected with many of them. Keep clean and avoid recognized sources of the bacteria that cause OIs to lower the risk of new infections. Even if a person has some OIs, …

People living with HIV have up to an 80% increased risk of developing psoriasis Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition characterized by increased skin cell proliferation that causes scaly plaques on the skin.  Studies have shown that HIV is linked to a higher likelihood of developing psoriasis and more severe symptoms. In fact, people living with HIV have up to …

Neonatal lupus is a rare, acquired, autoimmune, and congenital condition characterized by red rash or skin eruptions and heart issues. Though the exact cause of lupus in most cases is unknown. However, it appears that people with an inherited predisposition for lupus may develop the disease when they come into contact with the environmental factors that can trigger it. While …

Cutaneous lupus is a type of lupus characterized by a red, scaly rash on the skin Cutaneous lupus is a type of lupus—an autoimmune disease that causes the body to attack healthy tissues—characterized by a red, scaly rash on the skin Though the condition is not contagious or life-threatening, cutaneous lupus rashes can cause long-term damage, such as scarring, skin …

There are different levels of treatment for neuropsychiatric lupus. There is no permanent cure for neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus (NPSLE). Management of NPSLE depends on the severity of symptoms and the underlying cause. Hydroxychloroquine is effective in the long-term treatment of NPSLE. Immunosuppressive medicines help inhibit the activity of the immune system, which can be useful in treating NPSLE. Corticosteroids …

Most people have a normal lifespan and an excellent quality of life if NPSLE is treated early. The most basic approaches to detect nervous system abnormalities in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are cognitive tests and a magnetic resonance imaging evaluation. However, a diagnosis of neuropsychiatric lupus (NPSLE) might be difficult to establish. The doctor may order tests to rule out …

Inverse psoriasis is a type of psoriasis that occurs in the armpits, under the breasts, groin, genitals, in the crease between the thigh and groin, and other skin folds Inverse psoriasis is a type of psoriasis that occurs in the armpits, under the breasts, groin, genitals, in the crease between the thigh and groin, and other skin folds. Diagnosis of …

Treatment of cutaneous lupus may include medications and lifestyle changes There is no cure for cutaneous lupus. However, this chronic skin disease can be controlled with medications and lifestyle changes, such as limiting sun exposure. 6 ways to treat cutaneous lupus Sun avoidance Sun protection is an important proactive measure to prevent cutaneous lupus flares caused by ultraviolet radiation. Physical …