Is Lupus Contagious?

Lupus is an autoimmune disease characterized by symptoms and signs like rash, joint pain, and fever.

Lupus is a general term that refers to any of the various chronic inflammatory diseases that are marked by inflammation of the skin and are caused by autoimmunity. Classic lupus is also termed systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and typically initially appears as a rash accompanied by joint pain and fever. There are many subclasses of lupus.

Lupus is not contagious. Lupus cannot be transferred from one person to another by touching the skin lesions or by physical contact. The specific cause of lupus is not known, but many genetic predispositions (HLA types, regulatory genes) and gene-environment interactions (UV exposure, the immune system's response to microbes and/or drugs) have been identified that predispose individuals to develop this autoimmune disease.

If a person has an onset of joint pain, fever, and a rash, lupus is considered as a possible cause. If the person is pregnant or if there is a family history of lupus or any autoimmune disease, the diagnosis of SLE becomes more likely. However the American College of Rheumatology has developed criteria that can be helpful in diagnosing the systemic form of lupus (SLE). There are 11 diagnostic basic criteria. When an individual has at least four of these criterions, they are likely to have systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Briefly, the following is a list of the 11 criteria:

• Serositis (inflammation of the lining of the lungs or abdomen)
• Oral ulcers
• Arthritis (inflammation of many joints)
• Photosensitivity (rash after sun exposure)
• Blood disorders (low white, red, or platelet blood counts)
• Kidney problems (renal failure)
• Gastrointestinal problems (nausea, abdominal pain)
• Antinuclear antibodies (ANAs)
• Immunologic abnormalities (DNA antibody, cardiolipin antibody, false positive VDRL)
• Neurologic disorder (seizures or psychosis)
• Cardiac problems (pericarditis, myocarditis)
• Facial cheek reddish rash (malar rash)
• Focal areas of hyper- and hypopigmentation and scarring (discoid rash)

The diagnosis is usually made by a medical caregiver skilled in the diagnosis of lupus (such as rheumatologists or dermatologists).

Lupus does not spread from one individual to another. However, in an individual, the manifestations of the disease and their severity may increase in intensity and location over time.

There is no cure for lupus. Fortunately, there are many different drugs that can be used to reduce symptoms and control the disease. Treatments are individualized usually by the specialist, such as a rheumatologist for joint and internal organ problems, dermatologist for skin problems and/or other specialists depending upon what organ system is affected.

If a person suspects that they may have risk factors and some symptoms (see criteria above) of SLE, the individual should seek medical care quickly. The earlier the person is diagnosed and begins treatment, the better the outcome for the patient. Early intervention that reduces lupus inflammation helps protect body organs.