Understanding Lupus

Lupus occurs when your immune system damages to your organs and tissue.

What causes lupus and who can get it?

• Certain family genes
• Changes in hormones
• Exposure to sunlight or stress

Lupus usually occurs in:

• Young women in their late teenage years
• Adult women younger than 45 years of age
• Children under 15 years of age
• Males of any age (approximately 10% of males have lupus)

African Americans, Asian Americans, Hispanics, and American Indians are more likely to develop lupus.

What are the symptoms:

Symptoms can come and go; they can be mild or severe.

• Anemia
• Appetite loss
• Fever
• Hair loss
• Memory problems
• Mouth or nose sores
• Pale blue or red finger(s) when cold, stressed, or sick
• Rashes that happen:
  
  • After sunlight exposure
  • On face and nose - butterfly-shape
  • On head, arms, chest, or back
• Swollen glands or joints
• Tiredness
• Weight loss

How is it diagnosed?

Contact your provider if you have four or more symptoms at the same time. They will ask about your health history. You may also have blood and other diagnostic tests.