Raechele Cochran Gathers, MD What is Lupus?
Lupus is a serious autoimmune disease that can affect almost any part of the body. In autoimmune diseases, there is a problem with the immune system. The immune system normally works to protect your body against foreign invaders (bacteria, viruses, etc…). But in lupus, the immune system begins to attack and destroy the body’s own healthy tissues and organs. In lupus, the body becomes its own enemy. It begins to attack itself.
Lupus can cause many devastating problems, including heart and kidney disease, stroke, severe pain, eye problems, extreme fatigue, unsightly and painful skin rashes, and even hair loss. Ten to fifteen percent of people diagnosed with lupus die prematurely due to complications from the disease.
Who Gets Lupus?
Lupus affects more than 1 million Americans, and there are about 9 of out 10 people diagnosed with lupus are women. Chances are that you know someone who has been affected by the disease. Lupus is most common in women of childbearing age, and women of color are 2 to 3 times more likely to get lupus than white women.
Types of Lupus
- Systemic lupus – Affects your organs and body systems, commonly the kidney, heart and brain. It is the most common type.
- Drug induced lupus – Caused by a medication that you’ve been exposed to.
- Neonatal lupus – Passed from mother to newborn child.
- Cutaneous lupus – Affects the skin.
Lupus and Black Women
African American women suffer disproportionately from lupus. Lupus affects about 1 in 537 African American women! Unfortunately, African American women with lupus have a far worse disease prognosis and outcome than their white counterparts. In a one study, African American women were found to develop lupus at a younger age and experience more complications from the disease than Caucasians. Black women also die more frequently from lupus.
In addition to having more severe disease and greater mortality from lupus, another study found that Black women also have lower levels of social support to help deal with the disease. Among Black women, lupus survival disparities seem to transcend economic factors. Data suggests that even socially advantaged African Americans may be more likely to die young as compared to whites from a similar social background.
Lupus and Hair Loss
Discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE) is a type of skin lupus that disproportionately affects African Americans. DLE can affect any area of the skin, but it often shows up on the scalp, ears and face. Many people first notice DLE because they develop tender spots in the scalp. At first, some women think that the scalp tenderness is due to a curling iron burn, or from a hair style or hair products. But what starts as a tender spot in the scalp can become a larger area of hair loss and scarring that can also be permanent.
Conclusion
Black women suffer disproportionately from lupus. If you are suffering from hair loss, unusual rashes, joint pains or other symptoms that concern you, don’t hesitate to see your doctor. There are many treatment options available for those with lupus.
