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What is Tumid Lupus?

D. Jeffress
D. Jeffress

Lupus is a common type of autoimmune disorder that can cause painful inflammation in various parts of the body. A rare subtype of the disorder, tumid lupus, primarily affects the outer and inner layers of skin. Dry, non-itchy rashes can develop anywhere on the body during a flare of lupus, but skin problems are usually isolated to the scalp, face, neck, or chest. Most cases are relatively mild and only cause outbreaks a few times a year, though some people experience chronic rashes and other related symptoms. The condition can usually be controlled by taking precautions against known triggers and using topical anti-inflammatory creams during active episodes.

Doctors are unsure what causes tumid lupus to develop, but the disorder is likely due to both genetic and environmental factors. Most people who develop symptoms have a family history of lupus, chronic dermatitis, or another type of autoimmune disorder. Environmental triggers such as sun exposure, hot air, smoking, and certain pharmaceutical drugs increase the likelihood of outbreaks in people who are genetically predisposed. Women between the ages of 20 and 50 are at the highest risk of developing the condition for reasons that are not entirely understood.

Sun exposure may increase the likelihood of tumid lupus outbreaks in individuals who are genetically predisposed.
Sun exposure may increase the likelihood of tumid lupus outbreaks in individuals who are genetically predisposed.

An active outbreak typically involves the appearance of a red, dry patch of skin. The rash usually does not itch, although it may be tender and cause radiating heat and pain. Raised bumps or ring-shaped lesions may be present as well. Unlike dermatitis outbreaks, lupus rashes do not look scaly, and they are usually smooth to the touch. Other possible symptoms include easy fatigue and exhaustion in warm weather, headaches, and joint pain.

The appearance of red, dry patches of skin may be indicative of an active tumid lupus outbreak.
The appearance of red, dry patches of skin may be indicative of an active tumid lupus outbreak.

Since tumid lupus is a rare condition, it may be difficult to obtain a proper diagnosis right away. A dermatologist who specializes in autoimmune disorders can carefully inspect the rash and ask about symptoms. He or she may take blood samples and skin biopsies to look for signs of unusual autoimmune activity in the body. The patient and doctor work together to try to identify specific environmental triggers.

Lupus may cause the lymph nodes to swell.
Lupus may cause the lymph nodes to swell.

There is no cure for tumid lupus, though medications and lifestyle changes can provide significant symptom relief. Patients are instructed to avoid known triggers as best as possible, such as staying out of the summer heat and wearing protective clothing and sunscreen when venturing outdoors. Corticosteroid creams are often prescribed to ease pain and redness during an active attack. Some patients spontaneously get better as they get older, but tumid lupus requires lifelong treatment for the majority of people.

Discussion Comments

aviva

@Sierra02 - Even if the risks are low you should still talk to your childrens pediatrician about your concerns and your mother-in-laws condition.

They may want to do a simple blood test on them. I think it's called an ANA Lupus test which they run on people that could be at risk of having the disease.

ellafarris

@Sierra02 - I'm so sorry to hear your recent discovery about your mother-in-law and her battle with lupus. It can be unforgiving and frightening disease indeed.

However as far as your children are concerned only about ten percent of those who have lupus have a family history of it or a family member who might get it.

Research is still being conducted in this area so there's really no scientific proof as of yet that lupus is hereditary. Some studies have shown that the risk of children inheriting lupus are far greater if the infected were a parent of the mother. That being your mother as opposed to your mother-in-law.

Sierra02

Is lupus hereditary? I recently found out that my mother-in-law has been battling with the disease for the past thirty years and I have two children with her son.

Somehow it was brought up in a conversation not too long ago and when she showed me her condition I was so surprised. The crown of her head is completely bald. Ever since I've known her she's always worn her hair wrapped up in a nice little bun. Come to find out most of that is a perfectly matched hairpiece.

Not only am I concerned for her now but I'm also worried about my children having it too. Do you think I should have them tested?

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    • Sun exposure may increase the likelihood of tumid lupus outbreaks in individuals who are genetically predisposed.
      By: Kaspars Grinvalds
      Sun exposure may increase the likelihood of tumid lupus outbreaks in individuals who are genetically predisposed.
    • The appearance of red, dry patches of skin may be indicative of an active tumid lupus outbreak.
      By: defun
      The appearance of red, dry patches of skin may be indicative of an active tumid lupus outbreak.
    • Lupus may cause the lymph nodes to swell.
      By: Barabas Attila
      Lupus may cause the lymph nodes to swell.
    • Patients with tumid lupus are advised to wear sunscreen whenever they go outdoors.
      By: Maridav
      Patients with tumid lupus are advised to wear sunscreen whenever they go outdoors.
    • Anti-inflammatory creams that are applied topically may benefit people who suffer from tumid lupus.
      By: luiscarceller
      Anti-inflammatory creams that are applied topically may benefit people who suffer from tumid lupus.