Lupus erythematosus – When the immune system attacks its own body

Lupus erythematosus – When the immune system attacks its own body

What is lupus erythematosus?

Lupus erythematosus, often simply called lupus, is a chronic autoimmune disease. This means that the body’s own immune system mistakenly targets healthy cells and tissue. The disease can affect almost any organ – skin, joints, kidneys, heart or even the nervous system. Many sufferers experience severe fatigue, skin rashes (especially on the face), joint pain and other symptoms that occur in so-called flare-ups. It is particularly common in young women, but anyone can fall ill.

Causes and progression

The exact causes are still not fully understood. A combination of genetic predisposition, hormonal influences and external factors such as sunlight or infections is suspected. As the course of the disease varies greatly, individual therapy is required that is tailored to the symptoms and the organs affected. The aim is to reduce inflammatory activity and regulate the immune system in order to prevent damage to the body.

Toxopheresis – a special therapeutic approach

In certain cases, toxopheresis can be a helpful complement to pharmacological treatment. In this procedure, blood is separated from the plasma, which is then passed through specialized filters to selectively remove pro-inflammatory substances and pathogenic autoantibodies. By reducing these harmful components, toxopheresis can help decrease disease activity and improve overall well-being.

Conclusion

Systemic lupus erythematosus is a complex condition that can significantly impact patients’ lives—but with appropriate treatment, symptoms are often well manageable. Modern therapeutic approaches such as toxopheresis can, in selected cases, serve as a valuable adjunct to specifically relieve the immune system. Close cooperation between patients and the medical team is key to identifying the right treatment strategy and maintaining long-term quality of life.