The onset of lupus can be either dramatic (coming on over a period of days) or, more commonly, gradual (sometimes missed or wrongly diagnosed in its early stages). Key points Clinical features include: Depression/headache Cold circulation (Raynaud's) Flu-like symptoms Lupus can settle down over time Classical lupus The most well known 'classical' picture of lupus is demonstrated by the following example. A 22 year old woman with a 1-2 year history of vague general illness and fatigue develops fever, severe aches and pains, rashes, including a noticeable reddish rash on the cheeks and ..read more

Why do I have lupus? This common question is difficult to answer with certainty. However, in recent years we have increased our understanding of why someone develops lupus. It appears that the genes we inherit from our parents are responsible for some of the risk. In addition, the environment around us also plays an important role. Environmental factors that have been linked to lupus include exposure to sunlight, viruses and silica dust. Different environmental factors may increase the risk of developing lupus. However, these will only be important in someone who may already have inherited lu ..read more

There is no known single cause of lupus. However, there are a number of well studied factors which undoubtedly contribute to the disease. In simple terms, lupus is thought to be a condition with an inherited tendency for the immune system to go into overdrive. Some of the factors which are known to light the touch paper' include ultraviolet (UV) light, stress and hormone changes. A number of infectious as well as environmental factors are also suspected. Key points Hereditary tendency Overactive immune system Influenced by hormones Possible environmental triggers Genetics Family and ..read more

Lupus can, in many ways be considered a modern disease. Even as recently as 1970, lupus was considered rare. In the 1960s, the world map of lupus had huge empty spaces. It now seems remarkable that lupus was barely thought to exist in Africa, Australia, South America or China! Key points Lupus is more common than multiple sclerosis Prevalence of 1 in 800 in some population groups Increasingly diagnosed worldwide New drugs becoming available All that has changed dramatically. Lupus is now recognised in centres throughout the globe. The international journal LUPUS runs a regular featu ..read more

One of the difficulties for lupus patients is that the disease can show itself in a hundred different ways - indeed it is often called "The Great Mimic'. Key points Lupus is 'the great mimic' Symptoms include fatigue, rashes, hair loss Test for 'sticky blood' Most lupus pregnancies are uncomplicated Clinical features of lupus - although lupus can present as an acute (flu-like) illness, more commonly it comes on gradually, often fluctuating in its severity. It is not uncommon, for example, for a woman diagnosed with lupus at the age of say 25, to have been having symptoms for at leas ..read more

As we almost close out for another year the Christmas season is always an appropriate time to take a few minutes, pause, and reflect on what we have achieved this year. It is a great feeling when we allow ourselves to take a step back and think about the goals that we set for ourselves in 2023 – whether we did this in a structured way or more informally. It can change our perception of our lives immensely once we actually write out what we have done. Some of it may be ‘on plan’ and other things may have happened as you’ve gone along. However, Christmas can be difficult for anyone, at any poin ..read more

Christmas can be fun but with lupus it can also be very stressful. Anxiety can be high; worries can overtake you and depression can become unbearable. It is important for lupus sufferers to try and make a concerted effort to not overdo it. Doing too much will have you in a crazed frenzy and cause difficult flares. Here are some tips that can help you make Christmas a little less stressful: 1. Acknowledge your limits - It can be hard to acknowledge your limits. This is one of the hardest things that lupus sufferers struggle with. The sooner you are able to acknowledge what is best for your hea ..read more

Rest is incredibly important to your body's health. Sleep alone can not refresh and restore us. Rest is vital for better mental health, increased concentration and memory, a healthier immune system, reduced stress, improved mood and even a better metabolism. Feeling rested consists of different combinations that work together to help us feel renewed. Rest should always encompass the 7 core areas of mental, physical, sensory, creative, emotional, social and spiritual rest. Effective rest takes on many forms, and can combat pain, brain fog and lack of energy on your lupus journey. Mental Rest ..read more

Anxiety is a natural human response when we feel that we are under threat. It can be experienced through our thoughts, feelings and physical sensations. Anxiety and lupus have a difficult relationship with each other. Having lupus can cause you to develop anxiety, and anxiety can worsen symptoms and trigger flares. Anxiety and stress are inevitable as you walk on this lupus journey. Both can feed into flare-ups. Coping with it all can be difficult but is necessary. It can be challenging so you need a strategy to deal with it. Living with lupus can have an effect on your mental health and well ..read more

Lupus is an autoimmune disorder. Although there's no cure, treatments are available that can minimise damage and manage your symptoms. Symptoms vary from person to person and may develop suddenly or very gradually. Some people might experience a mild episode - called a flare - when signs of lupus temporarily worsen but then improve, or possibly even disappear for a time. The most common signs are: Fever, fatigue Headaches, memory loss, and confusion Chest discomfort, pain, shortness of breath Stiffness and swelling of joints Skin lesions that get worse with sun exposure Toes and fingers that ..read more