What is Lupus?
Lupus, or systemic lupus erythmatosus (SLE), is an autoimmune disease. This means that your immune system acts against the body, instead of helping the body, by damaging various organs and tissues. Lupus is found most commonly in women of childbearing age (between 20 and 40 years) of African and Asian descent. However, men and people of all races can be affected by lupus.
Symptoms of Lupus
Lupus can affect any of the following body systems:
- Skin (including hair and nails)
- Kidneys
- Nervous system, including the spine and brain
- Eyes
- Lungs
- Veins and arteries
- Gastrointestinal system
- Muscles and joints
- Heart
In general, the symptoms of lupus can include fatigue, joint pain, butterfly rash on the face, hair loss, and chest pain/pleurisy.
Treatment is aimed at suppressing the immune system and providing pain relief.