Lupus is a rare condition, but it can be a very challenging to treat.  Symptoms of lupus may affect more then one of your organ systems. The three  major types of lupus types include systemic, discoid and lupus. 

The discoid form of lupus affects only the skin. The diagnosis of discoid lupus is made by a biopsy of the active skin rash.  This type of lupus does not affect the internal organs so therefore a blood test is not helpful in confirming the diagnosis. Systemic lupus can be confirmed by a combination of symptoms, clincal exam and various blood tests.  Although the discoid form of lupus only affects your skin, this form of lupus may evolve into the systemic form of lupus.  Systemic lupus may effect multiple organ systems, including the heart, lungs, kidneys, joints, and even the central nervous system.  Even if discoid  lupus is treated aggressively, it may still evolve into the systemic form involving the organ systems mentioned above.

The third type of lupus,  is the form  induced by drugs,  including some antibiotics, high blood pressure medications and heart anti-arrythmic medications. The signs  and symptoms of the drug induced type of lupus are very similar to that of systemic lupus including rash, joint pains, and may effect the heart, kidneys, and the central nervous system.  Various anti-inflammatory medication are use to treat and control the flareup of symptoms associated with lupus.