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What is SLE or Lupus
This is a form of inflammatory arthritis, which is one of the autoimmune rheumatic diseases. In this case, the immune system is acting in a faulty way, producing antibodies against the body’s own tissues. In particular, connective tissue is attacked in the joints, skin and internal organs. Patients may have cold fingers and toes which change colour from white, blue to red (Raynaud’s phenomenon) and a typical facial rash. Joint pain usually starts in the small joints of the hands and feet but may flit around. The facial rash is photosensitive and may, in some cases, be scarring. A full rheumatology evaluation with blood and other tests is required. When the diagnosis has been made, patients are best looked after in specialist SLE centres.
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