What is Butterfly Disease (Lupus)? Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

What is Butterfly Disease (Lupus)?

Butterfly disease is a type of autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the body, including internal organs. It causes inflammation in the skin, joints, abdomen, kidneys, lungs, and organs such as the heart. Because its symptoms often mimic those of other conditions, it can be difficult to diagnose. Its most distinctive symptom is a facial rash. This rash appears on both cheeks and resembles the wings of a butterfly. It can appear prominently in most, though not all, cases. While there is no definitive cure for this disease, medication therapy is often planned by a doctor to manage symptoms and reduce the frequency of flare-ups.

Butterfly disease is a condition that causes inflammation throughout the body. In this condition, instead of protecting the body due to cellular abnormalities, the immune system harms it. Symptoms can be encountered depending on the area where the autoimmune system damages the tissue. Some of the areas where the condition is observed include:

Skin

Blood

Joints

Kidneys

Brain

Heart

Lungs

What Are the Types of Butterfly Disease?

Doctors generally classify lupus disease as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE). SLE is the most common type of lupus and means that signs of the disorder can occur anywhere in the body. SLE accounts for 70% of lupus cases. It affects many organs and systems in the body. Therefore, SLE tends to be a more severe form of lupus. Symptoms can range from mild to severe. In DLE, which is a type of cutaneous lupus, symptoms affect only the skin. Although DLE can also appear on other parts of the body, such as inside the ears, it typically presents as circular lesions on the scalp and face. The lesions tend to be red and can become thick and scaly. In some cases, the lesions cause scarring and discoloration of the skin. If the lesions leave scars on the scalp, hair may not grow back in that area. Other types include:

Neonatal lupus: Infants are sometimes born with lupus. Babies born to biological parents carrying lupus do not necessarily have lupus, but their risk may be increased. If the biological parent has these antibodies (whether they have lupus or not), the baby's likelihood of developing neonatal lupus may increase. Babies with lupus may experience symptoms such as skin rashes, liver problems, and low blood counts. Furthermore, skin symptoms usually disappear within a few weeks, but some babies may have congenital heart block, where the heart cannot regulate its normal, rhythmic pumping action. This is a more serious complication and the baby may need a pacemaker.

Drug-induced lupus: Certain medications trigger lupus symptoms as a side effect. It is generally temporary and may disappear after you stop taking the medication causing it. Symptoms tend to be similar to those in SLE but are usually less severe.

What Are the Symptoms of Butterfly Disease?

Butterfly disease symptoms can affect individuals differently and are often dissimilar. Everyone experiences a different combination and severity of symptoms. One of the most characteristic symptoms is reddish or purple rashes appearing in a butterfly shape on the face and other parts of the body.

Joint pain

Muscle pain

Chest pain, particularly occurring when taking a deep breath

Headaches

Rashes

Fever

Hair loss

Mouth sores

Fatigue

Shortness of breath

Swollen lymph nodes

Swelling in the arms, legs, or face

Confusion

Blood clots

The condition can sometimes cause other health problems, including:

Sensitivity to sunlight

Dry eyes

Depression

Seizures

Anemia

Raynaud's syndrome

Osteoporosis

Heart disease

Kidney disease

What Causes Butterfly Disease?

Although it is not known precisely what causes butterfly disease today, certain factors below may trigger the condition:

Genetic factors: Having certain genetic mutations can increase the likelihood of contracting lupus. The presence of specific genes can have adverse effects on the immune system, leading to the condition.

Hormones: Reactions to specific hormones in the body (especially estrogen) can increase the likelihood of developing lupus. Hormones such as estrogen can have an effect on the immune system and trigger lupus symptoms.

Environmental factors: Issues related to where people live, exposure to air pollution, or sunlight can affect the risk of seeing the condition. These factors can interact with genetic predisposition to trigger the onset of the disease or exacerbate symptoms.

Medications: Long-term use of certain medications can cause the development of a type of lupus called drug-induced lupus. The condition can be triggered by specific blood pressure medications, anti-seizure medications, and antibiotics. When medication intake is stopped, the disease mostly begins to improve and symptoms decrease.

Health history: Certain health conditions, such as smoking, stress levels, and other autoimmune diseases, can trigger the disease.

How is Butterfly Disease Diagnosed?

Difficulties can be experienced in diagnosing butterfly disease. The reason for this is that the condition affects many different parts of people's bodies, causing different symptoms. For the diagnosis of butterfly disease, the doctor first takes the patient's medical history. Factors such as family history, other illnesses, medications taken, and past infections are taken into consideration. Then, they examine the status of symptoms by performing a physical examination. In addition to the physical examination, the following tests may be ordered by the doctor to assist with the diagnosis. Some tests used for butterfly disease may include:

Blood tests: Blood tests are an important tool for diagnosis. They are used to see if the immune system is working healthily and to check for other underlying conditions such as anemia or infection. Additionally, other blood tests can evaluate kidney function, liver enzymes, and leukocyte count.

Antinuclear antibody (ANA) test: This test looks for antibodies, which are protein markers showing your body's history of fighting infections. People with lupus often have specific antibodies indicating that their immune systems are overactive. Although the ANA test is positive in most people with the condition, most people with a positive ANA do not have the condition. If the ANA test is positive, the doctor may request a more specific antibody test.

Urine tests: Urinalysis may be ordered to check for signs of infection or other health problems. Examination of the urine sample may show increased protein levels or red blood cells in the urine; this can occur if the condition has affected your kidneys.

Biopsy: In some cases, if the condition is thought to have caused possible damage to the skin, kidneys, or other organs, the doctor may request a biopsy. This can be helpful for the diagnosis and treatment of the disease.

How is Butterfly Disease Treated?

The aim of treatment is to plan methods that will keep symptoms under control. The goal is to reduce potential damage to the patient's organs and its impact on daily life. Most individuals require a combination of medications to prevent flare-up crises and reduce the severity of symptoms. Treatment for butterfly disease may include:

Hydroxychloroquine: Hydroxychloroquine treatment can be used to alleviate symptoms and slow down the progression of the disease.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): Over-the-counter NSAIDs used under physician supervision relieve pain and can reduce inflammation. Due to side effects with long-term use, they should be used under doctor supervision.

Corticosteroids: Corticosteroids are medications prescribed by a doctor and used to reduce inflammation. The doctor may prescribe medications involving pills or administer a corticosteroid injection directly into one of the joints.

Immunosuppressants: Medications that suppress the immune system can be beneficial for treatment in severe cases.

Frequently Asked Questions

The presence of butterfly disease in people's family history may increase the risk of the condition occurring. However, genetic factors alone do not cause the development of the condition. Environmental factors may also play a role. Butterfly disease, or lupus, generally starts with the influence of specific triggering factors such as genetic predisposition, environmental factors, and hormonal changes. Lupus is an autoimmune disease that usually exhibits a chronic course and can continue for a lifetime. Treatment can mostly be planned by bringing symptoms under control. However, complications that can affect internal organs in particular can make the condition dangerous. The disease does not have a clear effect on the lifespan of patients because the course of the disease varies greatly from person to person. While most patients can live a normal life with appropriate treatment, it may cause severe complications in some cases. Crisis attacks can be prevented or reduced in this condition by avoiding activities that trigger symptoms. Measures such as avoiding exposure to sun, regular exercise under medical supervision, getting enough sleep, and reducing stress can be beneficial. The disease generally appears during young adulthood, that is, between the ages of 15 and 45, but it can be seen at any age. Treatment for the disease is generally planned by the dermatology outpatient clinic, because butterfly disease is an autoimmune disease and includes symptoms related to joints, muscles, and connective tissue. Diagnosis of the disease is usually made through blood tests, specifically examining the presence of antibodies such as antinuclear antibodies (ANA).

Diagnosis and Treatment of Butterfly Disease (Lupus) at Hisar Hospital

Butterfly disease (lupus) is a chronic autoimmune disease requiring early diagnosis and regular follow-up. Expert dermatology physicians working at Hisar Hospital Intercontinental offer modern medical approaches regarding lupus diagnosis and personalized treatment planning.

If you are experiencing lupus symptoms or wish to receive a detailed evaluation regarding the disease, you can schedule an appointment with our Dermatology Outpatient Clinic and consult with our specialist physicians.