Lupus lesion. Close-up of a circular lesion on the leg of a 49 year old woman due to discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE). This is an autoimmune disorder

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Lupus lesion. Close-up of a circular lesion on the leg of a 49 year old woman due to discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE). This is an autoimmune disorder, one in which the body's immune system attacks its own tissues. It can be triggered by a viral infection, although it is thought that hormonal and genetic factors play a part also. It is nine times more common in women than men. In the discoid form, a raised red itchy area appears on the skin. The systemic form is far more serious, affects many parts of the body, and may be fatal. There is no cure for lupus. Treatment is aimed at reducing inflammation and pain.

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Size: 5131px × 3409px
Photo credit: © DR P. MARAZZI/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

Keywords: autoimmune, circular, condition, discoid, disease, disorder, dle, erythematosus, female, healthcare, inflamed, inflammation, lesion, lupus, medical, medicine, rounded, skin, woman