Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), most commonly known as “lupus”, is a disorder of the body’s immune system known as an autoimmune disease. It is “systemic” because the disease can affect several parts of the body.
A healthy immune system produces proteins called antibodies and cells called lymphocytes that help fight and destroy foreign substances, viruses, and bacteria that invade the body. In lupus, the immune system fails to distinguish these harmful substances and produces antibodies even against the body’s healthy cells and tissues. These antibodies, called autoantibodies, causes the inflammation of various parts of the body and can cause damage to organs and tissues.
The symptoms may be mild or serious, differs from person to person, and often imitate symptoms associated with other diseases. This makes lupus such a hard disease to diagnose.
These are the signs you need to watch out for.
Mouth Ulcers
Mouth sores or ulcers, or canker sores, are one of the most common symptoms of lupus, often occurring during lupus flares and may be associated with joint pains, rashes and hair loss. Although these ulcers or canker sores are common, they occur more frequently with lupus patients. Lupus-related mouth sores can be typically found on the roof of the mouth rather than appearing on the sides of the mouth or gums. Lupus-related ulcers can also appear inside the nose.
