The medical term for all types of hair loss. Alopecia most commonly refers to hair loss on the head, but can be anywhere on the body. Hair loss can be localized in patches, or diffuse, which is seen as hair thinning. Alopecia is typically divided into two types: scarring (cicatricial) alopecia, where inflammation destroys the hair follicle leading [..]

A foreign substance that provokes an immune system response when introduced to the body. Almost any large molecule can be an antigen– including elements of bacteria, viruses, protozoa, food, and various cells and tissues.

Antinuclear antibodies (ANAs) are specific antibodies that attack cell nuclei. Most people have ANAs, but the presence of large amounts of them may indicate an autoimmune disease. The ANA test is a test that measures pattern and amount of ANAs. While an ANA test alone can’t confirm a diagnosis, people with lupus, scleroderma, Sjögren’s syndrome, Ra [..]

Chronic cutaneous lupus (CCLE) is one of three types of cutaneous lupus erythematosus, which is the general skin-related lupus. The most common form of CCLE is discoid lupus, a skin condition characterized by inflamed red disc-like patches, coming together to form a rash that can have a scaling or crusty appearance. Discoid lupus typically occurs o [..]

A research study that directly involves a particular person or group of people. Clinical trials are one type of clinical research that follow a pre-defined plan, and seek to answer specific questions about biomedical or behavioral interventions (drugs, treatments, devices, or new ways of using them). Ultimately, they will determine whether interven [..]

The “cellular glue” that supports and binds your tissues. Connective tissue gives your tissues their shape, helps keep them strong, and many times allows them to carry out their functions. Examples of specialized connective tissue are bone, cartilage, blood, and fat.

Corticosteroids are drugs that closely resemble cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone. Cortisol is produced in the adrenal glands when the body experiences stress. It’s primary effect is metabolic: it influences how fast we convert glucose (sugar) from our bloodstream into energy. This produces an immediate boost of energy when the body feels [..]

 (CLE) The skin-related form of lupus, an autoimmune disease where the body’s immune system begins to attack it’s own healthy tissue. When lupus is found throughout the body’s internal organs, it is called Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). CLE refers to lupus as it affects the skin, and can occur with or without the systemic form of the disease. [..]

The branch of medical science concerned with all of the factors that determine health-related conditions or events (including diseases). Epidemiological research helps us understand how health problems are changing and affect our society and economy.

 (as in lupus flares) A flare is a period of time when symptoms recur or become more severe, and can be triggered by a number of things. Triggers can include UV light, an infection, stress, pregnancy or changes in medication.