The doctor called the "red butterfly" one of the characteristic symptoms of lupus

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease that can affect various organs and body systems. One of the characteristic symptoms is the so-called red butterfly, which appears on the skin, usually on the face. On September 23, Tamara Hovsepyan, an endocrinologist at the adult polyclinic of the GBUZ MO "POKB", OSP No. 6, told Izvestia.

The "red butterfly" is observed only in 50% of cases. This is due to inflammatory processes. When patients go out into the fresh air and are exposed to sunlight, especially ultraviolet rays, this symptom appears against the background of photosensitization. Thus, the sun's rays play an obligatory role in the appearance of the "red butterfly," the expert said.

According to her, like all autoimmune diseases, SLE has an aggressive effect on the body. Various organs are affected, including the skin, the musculoskeletal system, the hematological, cardiovascular, nephrological systems, and even the visual organs.

Hovsepyan noted that dry eye syndrome and lacrimal gland damage are common in lupus erythematosus, which will lead to further visual impairment. It is also important to take into account that kidney damage can be asymptomatic, manifested in tests as the appearance of red blood cells and protein in the urine.

In addition, SLE mainly inflames small joints, which leads to polyarthritis, another important symptomatic manifestation of the disease. This should also be taken into account when diagnosing and treating this disease.

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