Types of Lupus | MyLupusTeam

Connect with others who understand.

sign up log in
Resources
About MyLupusTeam
Powered By

Types of Lupus

Medically reviewed by Ariel D. Teitel, M.D., M.B.A. — Written by Kelly Crumrin
Updated on June 4, 2021

The main types of lupus are categorized by the primary signs and symptoms in each case. In lupus, the immune system produces proteins called autoantibodies that can attack any type of tissue or organ, causing a wide variety of symptoms. Since each person experiences the disease a little differently, it is possible to have lupus that does not fit neatly into one type or another. It is also common for lupus symptoms to change over time, which may result in a change in type.

Lupus Types

Most doctors agree on four main types of lupus. Several have subtypes that describe more specific symptoms.

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is the most common form of lupus, accounting for 70 percent of cases. Systemic disease is widespread throughout the body, attacking different types of tissue. In severe cases, SLE can attack the kidneys, heart, brain, nerves, and blood vessels.

Kidney damage caused by lupus is referred to as lupus nephritis. Approximately 60 percent of people with lupus eventually develop kidney problems. Kidney damage is usually not noticeable until it becomes severe. Regular blood and urine tests can detect kidney problems earlier.

People whose lupus primarily affects the brain and nerves can be said to have CNS lupus. CNS lupus can cause seizures, strokes, cognitive dysfunction (problems thinking or remembering), peripheral neuropathy (numbness or tingling in the extremities), and psychotic episodes.

It is not uncommon for people with systemic lupus to have the malar rash characteristic of lupus on their faces. People with SLE may also have discoid or other forms of cutaneous lupus.

More to learn: The 6 classes of lupus nephritis

Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus

Cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE) is mostly limited to the skin. People with cutaneous forms of lupus are less likely to have systemic lupus. About 10 percent of those with skin lupus will eventually go on to develop systemic disease. Since lupus can cause silent damage in other tissues of the body, people with cutaneous lupus may still be monitored for systemic disease.

The most common form of cutaneous lupus is chronic cutaneous lupus (CCLE) or discoid lupus (DLE), which causes round or oval lesions of thick, scaly, red skin. In cases where DLE is limited to the head and neck, systemic lupus is less likely to develop.

In subacute cutaneous lupus (SCLE), scaly red patches and ring-shaped lesions develop on the chest, back, and neck. They may also appear on the face and arms. People with SCLE do not usually develop severe systemic disease, but joint symptoms are common.

The malar or butterfly rash is typical of acute cutaneous lupus (ACLE). In ACLE, which is also common in people with systemic lupus, there are red patches on the cheeks and across the nose that form the shape of a butterfly. Red patches can also occur on other parts of the body. These patches are photosensitive (sensitive to sunlight and tanning beds).

Drug-Induced Lupus Erythematosus

Certain medications can cause the immune system to overreact and develop a lupus-like condition called drug-induced lupus. Some of the most common drugs that can cause this reaction are the blood pressure drug Hydralazine, anti-arrhythmia drug Procainamide, and Isoniazid, taken to treat tuberculosis. Some anti-seizure medications and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) alpha inhibitors taken for autoimmune conditions can also trigger drug-induced lupus.

Drug-induced lupus may develop after taking the medication for three to six months. Symptoms can include any lupus symptoms such as rash, joint pain, photosensitivity, and inflammation in the lungs, heart, or kidney. Symptoms usually stop within days or weeks of stopping the medication responsible.

Neonatal Lupus

Neonatal lupus (also called congenital lupus) is not an infant form of lupus, but a rare condition caused by an autoimmune reaction in the mother. When a woman with lupus or another autoimmune condition is pregnant, autoantibodies in her blood can attack the tissues of the fetus, causing a lupus-like rash and other — mostly temporary — symptoms. Besides the rash, a baby born with neonatal lupus may have low blood cell counts or liver problems that usually clear up within the first few months of life. In serious cases, babies with neonatal lupus may have a heart defect that requires medication or surgery to repair.

Childhood lupus is not considered a separate diagnosis. However, childhood lupus is distinct from other types of lupus in several ways. Boys are more at risk for lupus than men. Childhood cases of lupus tend to be more aggressive and are twice as likely to involve kidney damage.

Condition Guide

Updated on June 4, 2021
All updates must be accompanied by text or a picture.

Become a Subscriber

Get the latest articles about lupus sent to your inbox.

Ariel D. Teitel, M.D., M.B.A. is the clinical associate professor of medicine at the NYU Langone Medical Center in New York. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Learn more about him here.
Kelly Crumrin is a senior editor at MyHealthTeam and leads the creation of content that educates and empowers people with chronic illnesses. Learn more about her here.

Related articles

Angular cheilitis and lupus rash are distinct skin issues with noticeable differences. While lupu...

Angular Cheilitis vs. Lupus Rash: 4 Differences To Note

Angular cheilitis and lupus rash are distinct skin issues with noticeable differences. While lupu...
“I have hypothyroidism, and it is well controlled on levothyroxine (Synthroid),” explained a MyLu...

Can Hypothyroidism Cause Diverticulitis?

“I have hypothyroidism, and it is well controlled on levothyroxine (Synthroid),” explained a MyLu...
Have you ever looked at your lupus test results and thought they looked like alphabet soup? The c...

RNP Antibodies and Lupus: What Do They Mean?

Have you ever looked at your lupus test results and thought they looked like alphabet soup? The c...
Lupus can be linked to other health conditions, one of which is Raynaud’s disease — also known as...

Raynaud’s Disease and Lupus: A Circulation Issue

Lupus can be linked to other health conditions, one of which is Raynaud’s disease — also known as...
Finding a new lump on your body can be worrisome, and it’s important to know whether or not it’s ...

Ganglion Cysts and Lupus: What’s the Connection?

Finding a new lump on your body can be worrisome, and it’s important to know whether or not it’s ...
Living with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) typically means managing chronic inflammation that...

Lupus and Bacterial Vaginosis: Is There a Connection?

Living with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) typically means managing chronic inflammation that...

Recent articles

In a recent survey of MyLupusTeam members, respondents shared how lupus interferes with their dai...

Survey: 91 Percent of MyLupusTeam Members Say Lupus Interferes With Quality of Life

In a recent survey of MyLupusTeam members, respondents shared how lupus interferes with their dai...
Has your doctor recommended taking azathioprine (Imuran) for lupus treatment? If so, keep in mind...

Does Azathioprine Cause Weight Loss?

Has your doctor recommended taking azathioprine (Imuran) for lupus treatment? If so, keep in mind...
Belimumab (sold under the brand name Benlysta) is a biologic drug approved by the U.S. Food and D...

Benlysta Infusion vs. Injection: 3 Differences To Note

Belimumab (sold under the brand name Benlysta) is a biologic drug approved by the U.S. Food and D...
If your favorite salsa, curry, or other spicy dish suddenly starts mouth pain, burning sensations...

Lupus and Spicy Food: 3 Things To Know

If your favorite salsa, curry, or other spicy dish suddenly starts mouth pain, burning sensations...
This is a short guided meditation by Dr. Christiane Wolf on self-kindness, which gives you more s...

Self-Kindness When Struggling: 6-Minute Guided Meditation

This is a short guided meditation by Dr. Christiane Wolf on self-kindness, which gives you more s...
“Has anyone suddenly gotten food allergies from everyday foods?” one MyLupusTeam member asked. “I...

Lupus and Food Allergies: Can Lupus Cause Them?

“Has anyone suddenly gotten food allergies from everyday foods?” one MyLupusTeam member asked. “I...
MyLupusTeam My lupus Team

Thank you for subscribing!

Become a member to get even more:

sign up for free

close