The four different types of lupus
There are four different types of lupus. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is the most common type of lupus. If SLE begins in childhood, it is known as childhood-onset SLE or cSLE. Approximately 10-20 percent of SLE cases begin in childhood. Most cases of SLE begin in adulthood, between the ages of 15-44. Lupus that only affects the skin is less common and is called cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE). There are three types of CLE – discoid lupus, subacute cutaneous lupus, and acute cutaneous lupus. Neonatal lupus and drug-induced lupus are the least common types of lupus.
Systemic lupus is the most common form of lupus—it’s what most people mean when they refer to “lupus.” Systemic lupus can be mild or severe.
This form of lupus is limited to the skin and can cause many types of rashes and lesions.
This is a lupus-like disease caused by certain prescription drugs.
Neonatal lupus is not a true form of lupus. It is a rare condition that affects infants of women who have lupus and is caused by antibodies from the mother acting upon the infant in the womb.