Lupus is a chronic condition that causes inflammation in the body's tissues. It is an autoimmune condition, which means that it is caused by a fault in the immune system. In people with Lupus, the immune system attacks the body's healthy cells and tissue instead of protecting the body from illness and infection.
The symptoms of lupus can vary from person to person. Some people only experience a mild form of the condition, whereas others are more severely affected and may develop serious complications (see "complications").
Lupus can be categorised into two main types, which are outlined below.
- Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is by far the most common form of the condition, and it is what most people mean when they use the term "lupus". This article focuses on SLE.
- Discoid lupus erythematosus only affects the skin, while systemic lupus affects the whole body.
SLE primarily causes joint pain, fatigue and skin rashes, as the immune system attacks the body's tissue and cells.
How common is lupus?
In the UK, approximately three in 10,000 people have SLE. The condition is nine times more common in women than in men, although the exact reason for this is unknown. SLE is also more common in Afro-Caribbean, Asian and Chinese people.
Lupus normally develops between 15 and 40 years of age. The condition is rare in children, although it has occurred in children as young as two years of age.
There is currently no cure for lupus, but there are treatments that can help to ease and manage symptoms.
Glossary
Chronic
Chronic usually means a condition that continues for a long time or keeps coming back.
Fatigue
Fatigue is extreme tiredness and lack of energy.
Inflammation
Inflammation is the body's response to infection, irritation or injury, which causes redness, swelling, pain and sometimes a feeling of heat in the affected area.
Immune system
The immune system is the body's defence system, which helps protect it from disease, bacteria and viruses.
Joint
Joints are the connection point between two bones that allow movement.
Tissue
Body tissue is made up of groups of cells that perform a specific job, such as protecting the body against infection, producing movement or storing fat.
