Lupus is a long-term chronic, inflammatory, autoimmune disease that can affect various parts of the body, including the skin, joints, and organs. The condition is also known as the “disease of a thousand faces” due to the complex nature of the illness. The symptoms of lupus can vary from person to person and range from mild to severe. While there is no cure for it, treatment is largely focused on reducing inflammation and easing symptoms.

Signs and symptoms
The most common signs and symptoms depend on which part of the body is affected. Most common symptoms include:
Fatigue
Joint pain
Stiffness and swelling
Skin rashes
Fever
Shortness of breath
Headaches
Confusion
Memory Loss

Causes
What causes lupus hasn’t been established yet. Some experts believe that lupus is caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Others believe that lupus is caused by an underlying medical condition, such as an infection or a hormonal imbalance.

Whatever the cause, lupus is a serious disease that can cause a wide range of symptoms.

Diagnosis
Lupus is a difficult disease to diagnose because it can cause such a wide range of symptoms. In addition, many of the symptoms of lupus are similar to those of other diseases. There is no one test that can definitively diagnose lupus. Instead, doctors will often use a combination of tests, along with a patient’s medical history and symptoms, to make a diagnosis.

Some of the most common tests used to diagnose lupus include:
Blood tests: These can help to assess the presence of certain antibodies that are associated with lupus.
Skin biopsy: In some cases, a skin biopsy may be performed in order to look for changes in the skin that are characteristic of lupus.
Imaging tests: X-rays, MRIs, and ultrasounds may be used in order to look for evidence of organ damage or inflammation.

Risk factors
Lupus can affect anyone, but certain groups of people are at higher risk. Women between the ages of 15 and 44 are nine times more likely to develop lupus than men, and the disease is also more common in African-Americans, Hispanics/Latinos, Asians, Native Americans, and Pacific Islanders. Those with a family history of the disease are also more likely to develop it. While lupus can occur at any age, it is most commonly diagnosed in women of childbearing age. Women with lupus are also more likely to experience more severe symptoms and to have greater difficulty managing the condition. Lupus can have a profound impact on every aspect of a woman’s life, from her physical health to her mental well-being.

Types
There are two types of Lupus – Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) and Cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE).

SLE is the most common form of lupus. It can be mild or severe and its effect can be seen on all parts of the body. Symptoms of SLE include fatigue, pain and swelling in joints, hair loss, sun sensitivity, skin rashes, unexplained fever and kidney problems.

CLE can affect people with SLE. Symptoms may include rashes, hair loss, swelling of blood vessels, ulcers, and sun sensitivity.

There are two kinds of cutaneous lupus:
Discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE) is a condition that starts as a red raised rash and can then change to dark brown or becomes scaly and can leave scars. More often than not, these rashes appear on the face and scalp, but they can also affect other areas of the body. DLE sufferers are at risk for developing sores in the mouth and nose.

Subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus causes skin lesions on skin that is exposed to sun. These lesions, unlike DLE, do not cause scars.

Neonatal lupus is a rare form of the disease that affects newborn babies. If a child is born with neonatal lupus, it is often caused by antibodies from the mother and passed on through the womb. But not every mother who has lupus will pass it on to her baby. However, even if the mother does not have it, the baby can still develop neonatal lupus.

Newborns with neonatal lupus have low blood cell counts, skin rashes, and heart complications. These symptoms usually go away in a few months and do not manifest any long-term effects.

Living with Lupus
It is essential to find a support network as living with lupus can be very frustrating and isolating condition. Women are especially susceptible to lupus, and the disease can often be debilitating. There is no set approach to coping with lupus, but there are some things that can help.

Get educated about the disease: The more one knows about lupus, the better equipped they are to manage their symptoms and make informed decisions about treatment options.

Stay active: Exercise can help reduce fatigue and ease joint pain. Eating healthy and getting enough rest will also help one’s body cope with the stress of lupus.

Find a support system: Connecting with others who understand what the experience of living with lupus is like. can be a tremendous help. There are many online and in-person support groups for people with lupus.

Be patient: Coping and living with lupus can be difficult journey. Being patient with oneself and not hesitating to speak up for specific treatment needs or moral support can boost one’s confidence and make them feel in control. Finding ways to relax and destress is important for mental and physical wellbeing. Lupus can be taxing on both body and your mind, so it’s important to find ways to relax and destress.