What is Lupus?
Lupus is a systemic autoimmune disease that occurs when your body's immune system attacks your own tissues and organs. Inflammation caused by lupus can affect many different body systems — including your joints, skin, kidneys, blood cells, brain, heart and lungs. Lupus can be difficult to diagnose because its signs and symptoms often mimic those of other ailments. The most distinctive sign of lupus — a facial rash that resembles the wings of a butterfly unfolding across both cheeks — occurs in many but not all cases of lupus. Some people are born with a tendency toward developing lupus, which may be triggered by infections, certain drugs or even sunlight. While there's no cure for lupus, treatments can help control symptoms.
- Mayo Clinic
- Mayo Clinic
Signs & Symptoms
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Joint pain, stiffness and swelling
- Butterfly-shaped rash on the face that covers the cheeks and bridge of the nose or rashes elsewhere on the body
- Skin lesions that appear or worsen with sun exposure (photosensitivity)
- Fingers and toes that turn white or blue when exposed to cold or during stressful periods (Raynaud's Phenomenon)
- Shortness of breath
- Extreme fatigue
- Chest pain
- Dry eyes
- Headaches, depression, confusion and memory loss
- Unusal hair loss
- Mayo Clinic
Lupus Inflammation Affect
- Kidneys
- Brain & central nervous system
- Blood and blood vessels
- Lungs
- Heart
- Skin
- Hair
- Having Lupus also increases your risk of infection, kidney failure, cancer, bone, tissue death (avascular necrosis), and pregnancy risks/complications.
