Types of Lupus

There are 4 types of lupus: discoid, systemic, drug-induced and neonatal lupus.

Discoid (cutaneous) lupus is always limited to the skin.  It is identified by a rash that may appear on the face, neck, and scalp.  Discoid lupus does not generally involve the body's internal organs.  In approximately 10 percent of patients, discoid lupus can evolve into the systemic form of the disease.

Systemic lupus is usually more severe than discoid lupus, and can affect almost any organ or organ system of the body.  Generally, no two people with SLE will have identical symptoms.  Systemic lupus may include periods in which few, if any, symptoms are evident ("remission") an other times when the disease becomes more active ("flare").

Drug-induced lupus occurs after the use of certain prescribed drugs.  The symptoms of drug-induced lupus are similar to those of systemic lupus.  The symptoms usually fade when the medications are discontinued.

Neonatal lupus is a rare condition acquired from the passage of maternal autoantibodies.  The skin, heart and blood can be affected in the fetus and newborn.  Neonatal lupus is associated with a rash that appears within the first several weeks of life and may persist for about six months before disappearing.  Neonatal lupus is not systemic lupus.