Illness name: lupus
Description:
Lupus is a long-term condition that causes joint pain, skin rashes and tiredness. There's no cure, but symptoms can improve if treatment starts early.
These are the main symptoms of lupus.
You might also have:
Lupus is better managed if it's found and treated early.
Lupus, also called systemic lupus erythematosus, is not always easy to diagnose because it can be similar to other conditions.
Symptoms include inflammation of different parts of the body including the lungs, heart, liver, joints and kidneys.
The GP will usually do some blood tests. High levels of a type of antibody, combined with typical symptoms, means lupus is likely.
You might be referred for X-rays and scans of your heart, kidney and other organs if the doctor thinks they might be affected.
Once lupus is diagnosed, you'll be advised to have regular checks and tests, such as regular blood tests to check for
anaemia
and urine tests to check for kidney problems.
Lupus often flares up (relapses) and symptoms become worse for a few weeks, sometimes longer.
Symptoms then settle down (remission). The reason why symptoms flare up or settle down is not known.
Some people do not notice any difference and their symptoms are constant.
Lupus is generally treated using:
Two medicines, rituximab and belimumab, are sometimes used to treat severe lupus. These work on the immune system to reduce the number of antibodies in the blood.
Versus Arthritis has more information on the treatments for lupus
Although medicines are important in controlling lupus, you can help manage your symptoms and reduce the risk of it getting worse.
use high-factor (50+) sunscreen – you can get it on prescription if you have lupus
learn to pace yourself to avoid getting too tired
try to stay active even on a bad day
try relaxation techniques to manage stress – stress can make symptoms worse
wear a hat in the sun
tell your employer about your condition – you might be able to adjust your working pattern
ask for help from family, friends and health professionals
eat a
healthy, balanced diet
, including vitamin D and calcium
do not smoke –
stopping smoking
is the most important thing to do if you have lupus
do not sit in direct sunlight or spend a lot of time in rooms with fluorescent lights
Lupus UK
has support, advice and information for people with the condition.
Lupus is an autoimmune disease. This means the body's natural defence system (immune system) attacks healthy parts of your body.
It's not contagious.
The causes of lupus are not fully understood. Possible causes include:
More women than men get lupus, and it's more common in black and Asian women.
Lupus can cause complications in pregnancy.
See a doctor before trying to get pregnant to discuss the risks and so your medicine can be changed if necessary.
Watch this video to find out how lupus (an autoimmune condition) affects children.
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Page last reviewed: 23 September 2020
Lupus
Non-urgent advice:
See a GP if you often get:
Important
How lupus is diagnosed
Lupus can range from mild to severe
Severity
How it affects the body
Mild
Joint and skin problems, tiredness
Moderate
Inflammation of other parts of the skin and body, including your lungs, heart and kidneys
Severe
Inflammation causing severe damage to the heart, lungs, brain or kidneys can be life threatening
Symptoms can flare up and settle down
Treatment for lupus
Living with lupus: things you can do yourself
Do
Don’t
Causes of lupus
Pregnancy and lupus
Video: lupus in children
Media review due: 1 July 2024
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Next review due: 23 September 2023