Lupus is a condition that affects the immune system. It can cause problems with your skin, joints, kidneys and other organs.
Symptoms of lupus include joint and muscle pain, extreme tiredness and a rash on your face.
There's currently no cure for lupus, but the symptoms can often be treated with medicines that reduce inflammation in your body, such as steroids.
Lupus is caused by your immune system mistakenly attacking healthy parts of your body. It's not fully understood why this happens.
Read more on the NHS website.
Symptoms of lupus include joint and muscle pain, extreme tiredness and a rash on your face.
See a GP if you often get:
- joint and muscle pain
- extreme tiredness that will not go away no matter how much you rest
- rashes – often over the nose and cheeks
These are the main symptoms of lupus.
You might also have:
- headaches
- mouth sores
- high temperature
- hair loss
- sensitivity to light (causing rashes on uncovered skin)
Important
Lupus is better managed if it's found and treated early.
Read more on the NHS website.
There's currently no cure for lupus, but the symptoms can often be treated with medicines that reduce inflammation in your body, such as steroids.
Medical treatments
Lupus is generally treated using:
- anti-inflammatory medicines like ibuprofen
- hydroxychloroquine for fatigue and skin and joint problems
- steroid tablets, injections and creams for kidney inflammation and rashes
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.
Self-care
Although medicines are important in controlling lupus, you can help manage your symptoms and reduce the risk of it getting worse.
Do
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
Don't
Read more on the NHS website.
Lupus is caused by your immune system mistakenly attacking healthy parts of your body. It's not fully understood why this happens.
Read more on the NHS website.