Lupus: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment Options

Lupus is shorthand for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and incorporates a collection of symptoms, in an autoimmune disease process that varies in severity. An autoimmune disease means that the body sees certain parts of its own organs as foreign and starts to attack them. In lupus, this is connective tissue, the scaffolding of every part of the body, and made up of cells, fibres and a gel-like substance. It underpins bones, cartilage, blood and fat.

Lupus commonly affects the skin, where rashes may develop, particularly in response to sunlight. This can cause a distinctive "butterfly rash", where the nose bridge and both cheeks appear very red, like the symmetrical wings of a butterfly. Other rashes can develop, and skin may be the only system to show signs of SLE.

Less commonly, and more seriously, lupus may affect the joints, kidneys, blood vessels, heart, lungs, hair and even mental health. Affecting multiple organs is a more severe form, and flare-ups may come in episodes, lasting a few weeks or months, then clear up, only to come again. This is harder to treat, but the symptoms of lupus can be kept at bay by medications. These work to dampen down the immune response.

SLE sufferers often complain of tiredness, and this may be the reason they first present to their doctor. Joint pain and swelling are common too.