Approximately two-thirds of the 1.5 million Americans living with lupus will develop some type of skin disease. Lupus is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system is unbalanced causing it to become destructive to any organ and tissue in the body. Skin disease in lupus can cause rashes or sores (lesions), most of which will appear on sun-exposed areas, such as a person's face, ears, neck, arms, and legs. In addition, 40-70 percent of people with systemic lupus will find that their disease is made worse by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from sunlight or artificial light. For this and other reasons, people with lupus are advised to take steps to protect themselves from exposure to UV light.

Summertime presents a challenge for people with lupus as vacations, leisure activities and household tasks can increase time outdoors, increasing risk of lupus flares. In addition, people with lupus are also at risk for other skin problems.

The Lupus Foundation of America website, lupus, will host a live chat, "Your Skin and Lupus," on Wednesday, July 15, beginning at 3:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (UTC -4). The guest expert will be Dr. Andrew Franks, Clinical Professor of Dermatology and the Director of the Connective Tissue Disease Section of The Skin and Cancer Unit at New York University Medical Center.

Dr. Franks is one of the few physicians in the country who hold board certification in dermatology, rheumatology, and internal medicine. Over the past twenty five years he has earned a distinct reputation in the area of "skin manifestations of autoimmune disease."

Individuals can access the chat at the following URL: lupus/newsite/pages/chat_login.html

Participants can submit questions during the course of the hour-long live chat, or in advance through the LFA website. A transcript of the chat will be posted within 24-hours following the chat.

Source
Lupus Foundation of America