lupus/vascuitis

I have had very painful blister type bumps on the palms of my hands and feet. I went to my doctor who refered me to a dermatologist. He took a biopsy of one of the blisters and blood work. What I want to know is what is vascuitis? He said thats what it was and possiably lupus. I have looked for info on vacuitis and can't find anything. Please give me information.

[CCF-Neuro-M.D.-JT]

Vasculitis is an immune system related disorder that results in the inflammation of the arteries to various parts of your body. Depending on which type of vasculitis you have (lupus is just one of many known types), this can affect your skin, lungs, kidneys, joints, eyes, heart, and brain among other organ systems. The diagnosis is based on a clinical history, exam, and blood tests that look for the presence of abnormal antibodies produced in patients with vasculitis. Some diseases are also confirmed by biopsy. Although there is no known absolute cure, many of these disorders can be treated with drugs that suppress the immune response such as steroids. It doesn't sound like you have any neurologic involvement at this time, so a neuro doc probably would not be the way to start. The person you may need to see is a rheumatologist, which is a doctor who specializes in these kinds of diseases. Check your spelling of the word vasculitis, perhaps you'll find more info that way. Good luck.

[Adele]

Here are some Vasculitis links  and some combination Lupus/Vasculitis links you may be interested in:

http://internet-plaza.net/lupus/topics/vascul.html  

http://www.hamline.edu/lupus/articles/Lupus_and_Vasculitis.html

Johns Hopkins Vasculitis website:  http://vasculitis.med.jhu.edu/

http://www.ninds.nih.gov/health_and_medical/disorders/vasculitis_doc.htm

http://www.findarticles.com/cf_dls/m3225/5_60/57437021/p1/article.jhtml

http://www.findarticles.com/cf_dls/g2601/0014/2601001440/p1/article.jhtml

[Victoryia]

is vasculitis the same as Livedo Reticularis? I was told I have LR and lupus is a common cause of it.