Lupus is an autoimmune disease where the body's immune system attacks its own tissues and organs, leading to inflammation and damage throughout the body.
Affecting over 5 million people worldwide, lupus primarily impacts women, with nine out of every ten lupus patients being female. This disproportionate prevalence highlights lupus as a critical women’s health issue.
The disease brings immense physical and psychological challenges, as patients navigate pain, fatigue, joint pain, hair loss, skin rashes, and more severe complications affecting the kidneys, heart, and lungs.
Additionally, lupus patients often face societal misunderstandings and discrimination.
What is Lupus?
Four Forms
of Lupus
Systemic lupus accounts for approximately 70 percent of all cases of lupus. In approximately half of these cases, a major organ or tissue in the body, such as the heart, lungs, kidneys, or brain will be affected.
Cutaneous lupus (affecting only the skin) accounts for approximately 10 percent of all lupus cases.
Drug-induced lupus accounts for about 10 percent of all lupus cases and is caused by high doses of certain medications. The symptoms of drug induced lupus are similar to systemic lupus; however, symptoms usually subside when the medications are discontinued.
Neonatal lupus is a rare condition in which the mother's antibodies affect the fetus. At birth, the baby may have a skin rash, liver problems, or low blood cell counts, but these symptoms typically disappear completely after six months with no lasting effects.
Health disparities for
people with Lupus
Anyone can develop lupus. However certain people are at higher risk for lupus, especially women ages 15 to 44.
Lupus is two to three times more prevalent among African American, Hispanic/Latina, Asian American, Native American, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander women than among White women.
Recent research indicates that lupus affects 1 in 537 young African American women.
Medicines
Lupus has many symptoms, so there are various medicines for it. Some require a prescription, while others are over the counter.
Common lupus medicines include:
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Anticoagulants to prevent blood clots
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Anti-inflammatories for inflammation and pain
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Antimalarials for skin protection
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Biologics to regulate the immune system
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Immunosuppressives to stop immune attacks
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Steroids for inflammation
All lupus medicines can have serious side effects. Discuss with your doctors what to watch for and report any side effects immediately