The term ‘Lupus’ is most often used to describe the most severe form of the condition called Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE).  This one can affect many parts of the body, including the skin, joints and internal organs.  When referring to Lupus in this blog, I am referring to SLE.

Other types of Lupus only affect the skin.  These include Discoid Lupus Erythematosus (DLE) which causes a skin rash that doesn’t go away, and Subacute Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus (SCLE) which causes skin sores on parts of the body exposed to sun

Drug-induced Lupus is a lupus-like side effect caused by taking certain medications.

Finally there is Neonatal Lupus, a rare type of lupus that affects newborns.