More than 75,000 people in Spain suffer from lupus and these are the most common symptoms (sensitivity, skin lesions…).

Early diagnosis is important in lupus systemic erythematosis (SLE) A rheumatic and autoimmune diseases to avoid complications and irreversible damage. It is estimated that in Spain More than 75,000 people suffer from this disease which can debut in childhood, and not only in adults.

With this pathology, the human immune system does not distinguish between foreign particles (antigens) and its own cells or tissues and produces antibodies against “itself.” These antibodies are called “autoantibodies” and are responsible for the disease that occurs during outbreaks.

That is, as explained from Spanish Foundation for Rheumatology (FER)Although organic damage persists for a long period of time (even throughout life), symptoms do not always appear, with periods of disease activity and periods of inactivity or remission.

“In 70-80% of cases, the disease debuts with symptoms quite minor such as skin lesions and light sensitivity or inflammatory joint pain in any joint, although the hand joints are usually more affected,” explains Dr. Sagrario Bustabad, President Spanish Society of Rheumatology (SER), on the occasion of World Lupus Day (May 10).

Otherwise, the debut may be more alarming with serious consequences at the level of various organs and systems, for example, the renal, nervous or cardiopulmonary system. “It is therefore important to see a rheumatologist as early as possible so that an early diagnosis can be made, as early treatment is key for patients to prevent complications and irreversible damage,” the doctor insists.

Solar radiation, one of the possible causes of lupus

Causes have been described as being influenced by genetics, but have also been linked to certain triggers such as infections, hormonal changes or solar radiation. “It has been shown that ultraviolet radiation aggravates the course of the disease and contributes to cutaneous and systemic flare-ups, hence the importance of photoprotection in patients with lupus: there is ample evidence of improvement in skin symptoms,” adds the expert.

Patients with lupus usually have “high level of photosensitivity “Therefore, they need to be very well protected from sunlight to avoid complications,” the expert emphasizes. That is why patients are advised to wear hats, sunglasses, sunscreen (factor 50+) and avoid tanning beds.

And above all, the specialist states that “consult your rheumatologist if any of the medications you are taking may have side effects such as skin lesions when exposed to sunlight”; However, this advice should be followed by the entire population.

To draw attention to this pathology, which is sometimes very limiting for people, the SEE, in collaboration with Spanish Lupus Federation and GSK have prepared a digital awareness campaign that can be followed and engaged through a new filter created for IG and can be shared using a hashtag. #WorldLupusDay.