A trademark rash in the shape of a butterfly appears on the nose and cheeks. Some sufferers are spared the flu-like symptoms but have red blotchy skin on the face and body. This type of lupus outbreak is called the discoid lupus erythematosus. Lupus is chronic as it causes inflammation of the membranes of the heart, lungs and internal organs. Thus, it is liable to cause pain and organ failure.
Doctors use steroids to reduce inflammation.
The disadvantages are weight gain, water retention and a bloated appearance. This is when a lupus patient starts to get depression. However, these side-effects are only temporary and disappear when the patient stops steroids. During pregnancy, there's a greater risk of miscarriage or premature birth. The mother is likely to get high blood pressure and blood clots.