YUK KENALI PENYAKIT SERIBU WAJAH
What is the disease of a thousand faces (Lupus)?
The disease of a thousand faces or also known as LUPUS is an autoimmune disease that attacks the immune system, where the immune system in the body is unable to distinguish between germs and foreign objects from outside the body and the body's own tissues or cells, causing effects on various organs of the body. and inflammation such as in joints and skin. Called the disease of a thousand faces because the symptoms that arise resemble the symptoms of various diseases.
Definition of Lupus
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a multisystem autoimmune disease in which organs, tissues and cells are damaged mediated by tissue-binding autoantibodies and immune complexes. The clinical picture of SLE can change, both in terms of disease activity and organ involvement.
Causes of Lupus
Until now, the exact cause of this thousand faces disease is not known. However, this disease can arise due to various factors such as environmental, hormonal, abnormalities in the immune system, and genetic factors suspected to be the cause of lupus. Several other factors that trigger the appearance of lupus symptoms are sun exposure and the effects of certain drugs.
There is still no definite data on the prevalence of SLE in Indonesia. In the US, the most reliable figure is 0.05 – 0.1% of the population, but different figures exist in various reports. Some races, such as blacks, Native Americans, and Hispanics, are at higher risk for SLE and can develop more severe disease.
Lupus Symptoms
Symptoms experienced by people with lupus include:
- The appearance of a butterfly-shaped rash on the face covering the cheeks and bridge of the nose or rash on other parts of the body,
- Feeling pain and stiffness in the joints, fever for no apparent reason and often feeling tired and weak excessively.
Lupus Treatment and Prevention
Until now there is no cure for lupus, but it can be treated to reduce the symptoms felt by taking special drugs, adopting a healthy lifestyle, and managing stress well. Lupus cannot be prevented, your risk of developing lupus can be reduced by living a healthy lifestyle, eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly and avoiding lupus triggers.
Lupus is not a contagious disease and can be controlled so that sufferers can live independently. Routinely carry out health checks so that doctors can monitor the condition of people with lupus properly.
If Sahabat Hermina experiences some of these symptoms, immediately get an examination to get the right treatment and medical advice. Proper handling can minimize the symptoms of the disease, so that treatment can be carried out more quickly.