Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), often just called lupus, is an autoimmune disease where the body turns against itself, causing the tissues of your body to become inflamed and swollen.

What causes Lupus and who can get it?

The immune system works to protect you from infections. It produces things called antibodies, which fight off germs that enter the body.

When someone has lupus, their immune system can't tell the difference between germs and normal cells. This means it produces antibodies to defend itself against some normal cells and attacks them. This can be painful, cause swelling and even damage organs.

The most common type of lupus is called Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) and it’s also the most serious. It can affect the skin, joints and other organs such as the brain, heart and kidneys.

Doctors don’t know the exact cause of lupus. It may be triggered by hormones, infections, sunlight or stress.

Women are much more likely to be affected than men. SLE commonly starts in your teens and 20s.

People of Afro-Caribbean and Asian origin are more likely to develop SLE.

What are the signs and symptoms of Lupus?

Symptoms often begin with a skin rash over your nose and cheeks that is shaped like a butterfly, which can get worse if you are out in the sun. This is accompanied by tiredness and joint pains.

Other symptoms can include hair loss, mouth ulcers, headaches, anaemia, fits, high blood pressure, and kidney disease.

Symptoms can be mild or severe, with flare-ups (periods of time where symptoms get much worse) happening from time to time.

How is it normally diagnosed and treated?

Doctors carry out a range of blood tests to see if you have lupus. These look for the antibodies that are attacking your cells.

There's no cure for lupus. Anti-inflammatories and immunosuppressants might be used to relieve symptoms and control the disease by making your immune system less active.

What’s going to help?

Other things that can help relieve symptoms include:

• Physiotherapy and exercise to help relieve joint problems.
• Avoiding the sun or applying sunscreen regularly to prevent skin rashes.
• Moderate exercise, a balanced diet, no smoking and reduction of stress.

Looking forward

Lupus can’t be cured. With treatment you can go for long periods of time without suffering any symptoms but flare-ups can happen at any time.

For more help and information

If you would like to know more about lupus, please ask your doctor.

LUPUS UK

Last reviewed by Great Ormond Street Hospital: 18 September 2007

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