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The Epic Interactive Encyclopedia 1998
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Epic Interactive Encyclopedia, The - 1998 Edition (1998)(Epic Marketing).iso
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L
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Lupus
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INFOTEXT
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1992-09-03
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In medicine, any of various diseases
characterized by lesions of the skin. In one
form (lupus vulgaris), it is caused by the
tubercle bacillus (see tuberculosis). The
organism produces ulcers that spread and eat
away the underlying tissues. Treatment is
primarily with standard antituberculous
drugs, such as streptomycin, but ultraviolet
light may also be used. Lupus erythematous
(LE) has two forms: discoid LE, seen as red,
scaly patches on the skin, especially the
face; and disseminated or systemic LE, which
may affect connective tissue anywhere in the
body, often involving the internal organs.
The latter is much more serious. Treatment is
with corticosteroids.