WHAT IS LUPUS? This autoimmune disease is not contagious, but it
is chronic, with symptoms ranging from mild to life-threatening.
Lupus occurs when the immune system becomes overactive and
produces a type of protein called autoantibodies that attack and
destroy healthy tissue. This attack causes inflammation, pain
and damage to various parts of the body. There are several types
of lupus. The most common is called systemic lupus erythematosus
(SLE). The more severe forms affect major organ systems, such as
the kidneys, lungs, nervous system, the brain and the heart.
Another type is cutaneous lupus erythematosus; it causes skin
rashes and lesions. Drug-induced lupus is a lupus-like condition
caused by prescription drugs such as hydralazine (used to treat
high blood pressure or hypertension), procainamide (used to
treat irregular heart rhythms) and isoniazid (used to treat
tuberculosis). It's more common among men because they are
prescribed these drugs more often. Finally, there is neonatal
lupus, a rare form t