01
According to a report by Western Decision on the 14th, recently, Xiaoyu (pseudonym), a woman from Fuzhou, Fujian, played in Sanya for a week half a month ago, blowing the sea breeze and basking in the sun every day. After returning with a high fever, sunburned skin, and some red spots on the face, he sought medical attention and diagnosed systemic lupus erythematosus, which is known as "undead cancer".
Doctors said that in a strong sunlight environment, ultraviolet rays will enhance antigenicity, thereby inducing the occurrence of lupus erythematosus. After symptomatic treatment, Xiaoyu's high fever has subsided, and the red spots on her body have also subsided.
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease that invades multiple systems and organs, and the etiology of which is not fully understood. Some people with systemic lupus erythematosus have mild symptoms, only a few rashes, or fever and arthritis.
Complications due to SLE
In severe patients, the central nervous system may be involved, causing seizures, coma, psychotic-like symptoms, and various neurological symptoms; Can affect the heart, leading to pericarditis, myocardial necrosis, heart failure; It can also affect the lungs, causing alveolitis, alveolar hemorrhage, etc. It is more common to easily affect the kidneys, leading to various nephritis and even kidney failure.
02
Sun exposure causes systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) primarily due to ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
Photosensitivity is one of the common clinical symptoms of SLE, and ultraviolet radiation can easily lead to rashes and even systemic reactions in susceptible individuals. Studies have shown that up to 85 percent of patients with SLE present with cutaneous symptoms, with 20 to 25 percent presenting with cutaneous symptoms first [1].
Foreign scholar sontheimer speculates that the mechanism may be: in the process of photoallergy occurrence and development, anti-RO antibodies play an important role. After ultraviolet irradiation, anti-RO antigens and a series of pro-inflammatory factors are activated, causing apoptosis of stratum corneum cells, resulting in SLE or worsening SLE symptoms[2].
In layman's terms, ultraviolet radiation may activate the "destroyers" that destroy the stratum corneum cells of the skin, causing rash reactions, and in severe cases, it can also lead to inflammation, ulceration and other symptoms [3].
Therefore, when the patient is in the acute stage of SLE, should try to avoid light, to prevent skin symptoms from aggravating, when the patient's condition is in a stable period, it can be adjusted according to the individual's tolerance, but in order to prevent the disease from repeating, in daily life and work still to do a good job of sun protection, to avoid long-term exposure to ultraviolet rays.
03
The treatment of SLE is mainly to relieve symptoms, control the disease process, and prevent complications. There is currently no complete cure for SLE, but the progression of the disease can be effectively controlled through comprehensive treatment.
According to the 2020 Chinese guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus, anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive drugs are the main treatments for SLE. Commonly used medications include[4]:
1. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): used to relieve symptoms such as joint pain and fever.
2. Glucocorticoids (such as prednisone): used to suppress the immune system, reduce inflammation and autoimmune responses.
3. Immunosuppressants (such as cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, etc.): used to suppress the immune system, reduce inflammation and autoimmune response.
4. Antimalarial drugs (such as hydroxychloroquine): can reduce symptoms such as skin lesions and joint pain.
Medication recommendations in the 2020 Chinese guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus
In addition, SLE has many symptoms and complications, such as anemia, kidney damage, cardiovascular disease, etc. Different symptoms and complications require appropriate treatment, such as blood transfusion, renal replacement therapy, etc.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can also help reduce symptoms of SLE, including: adequate intake of protein, vitamins and trace elements, and reduced intake of salt, fat and sugar; Get enough sleep to help control the progression of the disease; and avoid excessive UV exposure.
reference
CHEN Kun, JU Mei, GU Heng, et al. Correlation between light exposure and photoprotective measures and clinical condition of systemic lupus erythematosus[J]. Chinese Journal of Dermatology, 2006, 39(1):3-6.
[2] Xu Wenying. Research progress at the molecular and cellular levels on the relationship between ultraviolet light and lupus erythematosus [J]. Chinese Journal of Dermatovenerology, 2014, 28(3):3.
LI Hongai, LI Bangtao, CUI Lan, et al. Research progress on epigenetic mechanism of systemic lupus erythematosus[J]. Journal of Xinxiang Medical College, 2018, 35(12):1125-1129.
[4] 2020 Chinese guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus https://www.bio-acls.com/Public/Uploads/ueditor/upload/file/20211028/1635402082170564.pdf