Is it possible to have lupus even though non of your family has lupus?

I have tested positive for lupus, and I have many lupus symptoms. My doctors believe I may have lupus, but I have not been officially diagnosed with lupus. All of my family members are very healthy. No one in my family has any illnesses. No one in my family has ever had any type of autoimmune disease. I am the first and only person. Is this possible and how could this be?

Answer
More often than not people who are diagnosed with Lupus do not have anyone in their family with Lupus. My wife is one example of this. Her family is very healthy yet she has severe organ involved SLE.

Researchers believe that both genetics and environmental factors cause Lupus. The important part now isn’t to worry about where you got it from but rather to focus on how to keep yourself healthy. Make sure you get to know your doctors and have an open line of communication with them. Lupus is a very treatable disease but if it gets out of control it can be very difficult to recover from.

If you have any questions you can post them here, but I would definately go to the Lupus Foundation of America at Lupus.org and learn more about your disease.

Lupus generates a wide variety of symptoms and people with the disease from their experience at different intensities. Lupus involves abnormal activity of the immune system. The malfunctioning of the immune system produces antibodies that turn against the body healthy cells and tissues (antinuclear antibodies). Some of the antibodies produced by the immune system dysfunctional can even modify the body of the genetic material (anti-DNA antibodies). The abnormal activity of the immune system can lead to the emergence of various internal disorders (heart disease, lung disease, kidney disease), musculoskeletal disorders (arthritis, osteoporosis), nervous system disorders (disease brain) and diseases of the skin (Lupique rash, erythematous lesions).

Despite the fact that patients with autoimmune disease typically have different symptoms, rash is a sign of lupus. Lupus eruption is characteristic of both systemic and discoid forms of the disease, and it is often the first symptom to appear. Lupus is a chronic disease and its symptoms reappear generated on a regular basis in time. While other symptoms may come and go, lupus rash is very persistent and hard to overcome.

Lupus eruption occurs on the body parts that are exposed to sunlight: scalp, face, neck and shoulders. However, the rash may also occur in other parts of the body (chest, back, hands and feet), in many cases accompanied by skin lesions. When it occurs on the face, lupus has a red rash, as a burn. Sometimes, the rash can affect moisture of the tissues around the mouth and nose. In the systemic form of the disease, lupus rash usually does not involve the skin and scars that can improve with medical treatment. Lupus rash tends to worsen if the skin is exposed to the sun for long periods.

In the form of discoid lupus, the rash occurs in different parts of the body and it affects larger patches of skin. Lupus discoid rash involves hyperpigmentation of the skin, exfoliate and the formation of the crust. The characteristic skin lesions discoid lupus can affect deeper layers of the skin, and they usually heal scars. When it occurs on the scalp, discoid lupus rash may involve temporary or permanent hair loss (alopecia). If the rash is accompanied by an intense level, papules and the crust, the skin can heal with pronounced scars.

Subaiguë rash of lupus generally occurs in the body areas that are exposed to sunlight. The rash increases in the size and shape circular, scaly patches. This type of lupus rash does not scars, but he usually heals with hypo pigmentation of the skin. Subaiguë rash lupus can occur at both systemic and discoid forms of the disease, and it usually fades in periods of remission. Although it can not be fully overcome, this symptom can also be controlled through medical treatment. When you have lupus rash, it is very important to avoid exposing the skin to sunlight. Also, we must avoid exposing irritating to the skin and chemicals, as they can seriously aggravate the rash.

If you are looking for great lupus information you can visit new lupus.

If you are looking for great lupus information you can visit new lupus.

What are shingles coupled with Lupus, and is shingles contagious?

I have been diagnose with Lupus and just found out today that I have shingle (with the red spots on my leg inside and out, and very, very, painful) Is there any chance these two are compatible with each other?

Answer
Shingles is the reactivation of the chicken pox you had probably as a child. It lies dormant in your system and then one day,BAM, reactivates. Shingles is incredibly uncomfortable from what I understand and you have my sympathies!
Since it is a reactivation of the Herpes Zoster virus, then yes, you are contagious to people (just like a child with chicken pox) until after the scabs have formed on your last blisters. The people who are most at risk around you are infants and the elderly or the immunocomprimised(weakened immune systems) and anyone who has not had chicken pox or the vaccine. Go here for more information:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herpes_zoster

Just like a celiac (which I am), your immune system is going to be a little bit different and you are going to be slightly more susceptible to certain infections. I am assuming you have not been on any prednisone treatment (due to just being diagnosed), so I will leave that bit out.
Here is a really good link to a forum that I think you will find very helpful, and includes a discussion about lupus and shingles.

http://www.wehavelupus.com/message-board-forum/about3714.html

If you have not had the rash for too long, it is not too late to get on some anti-virals that could shorten the length of the course of the shingles. I wish you a speedy recovery and the best!