Lupus erythematosus: Meaning (information, definition, explanation, facts)

Lupus erythematosus (also known as systemic lupus erythematosus - SLE) is an autoimmune disorder where antibodies are created against the body's own DNA.

Like some other autoimmune diseases, it affects mostly women and its cause is unknown. It can present with a characteristic butterfly-shaped rash of the face, causing a wolf-like appearance (lupus is Latin for wolf). Lupus can also be associated with Raynaud's phenomenon.

The immune system becomes hyperactive and attacks normal tissue. Lupus is a chronic disease; there are some treatments for the symptoms, but no cure is known. However, lupus can be put into remission, sometimes for years at a time. In lupus, autoimmune attacks result in inflammation, which in turn brings about a variety of symptoms.

Other symptoms include arthralgia (more often than frank arthritis), kidney damage (nephritis), blood coagulation problems (such as lupus anticoagulans), as well as effects on the central nervous system, lungs, heart and blood vessels.

It has been hypothesized that lupus erythematosus may be one of the diseases that may have inspired the myth of the werewolf.