A recently published study reveals that the quality of life for those living with cutaneous lupus is affected by pain, fatigue, body image and disease activity.
The Lupus Foundation of America said though these symptoms can be serious and challenging, they can also be treated and modified.
The study followed 101 people with cutaneous lupus and tracked disease activity, damage and quality of life. The majority of the participants were female with chronic cutaneous lupus. They were followed for 10 years and more than half were African American.
Quality of life scores were relatively good though participants reported being most affected by light sensitivity and skin discoloration or scarring. Quality of life factors measured included disease activity, pain, fatigue, body image, medication side effects, depression, co-occurring illness and pill burden.
Cutaneous lupus has been found to have negative effects on both physical and mental health. Many of the aforementioned symptoms can be treated with medication or improved.
