Lupus (SLE)

What is lupus?

There are two main forms of lupus:

• discoid lupus, which only affects your skin
• systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), which affects your skin and joints and often also involves your internal organs including your heart or kidney

This section only deals with the systemic type of lupus.

Lupus occurs when your immune system attacks your body’s own tissues. It can cause inflammation in many different parts of your body, though most people will only have a few of the possible symptoms.

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What are the symptoms of lupus?

Symptoms can include:

• joint pain
• a skin rash
• extreme tiredness (fatigue)
• fever
• weight loss
• headaches
• mouth ulcers
• hair loss
• swelling of lymph glands
• your fingers or toes changing colour in cold conditions

Lupus can have more serious complications if the inflammation affects your internal organs such as your heart, brain or kidneys, so you’ll need regular check-ups with your doctor for early signs of these complications.

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How is lupus diagnosed?

Lupus can mimic other, more common conditions, so you’ll probably have a number of tests before the diagnosis is confirmed.

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What treatments are there for lupus?

Treatment is with a combination of drugs and self-help measures, which will vary depending on your particular symptoms.

Drugs may include:

• anti-inflammatory drugs
• steroid tablets, creams or injections
• drugs which suppress your immune system
• drugs to control high blood pressure and high cholesterol

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Self-help and daily living

You can help yourself by:

• not smoking
• protecting your skin from strong sunlight
• dressing to keep your hands and feet warm in cold weather
• resting when the condition is most active but otherwise taking regular exercise
• pacing yourself and planning your activities

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