Lupus

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), also called lupus, is a chronic autoimmune disease that occurs when your body’s immune system attacks its own tissues and organs. This results in inflammation that affects the joints and skin and can damage the kidneys, liver, brain, blood, heart, and lungs. Lupus can be difficult to diagnose because its signs and symptoms are similar to those of other conditions. The most distinctive sign of lupus is a facial rash that looks like the wings of a butterfly unfolding across both cheeks. This occurs in many, but not all, cases of lupus.

The most common symptoms:  

• Skin rashes (caused by or worse with sun exposure) especially across your cheeks
• Mouth or nose ulcers
• Fatigue
• Recurrent flu symptoms
• Muscle aches
• Chest wall pains
• Hair loss
• Depression 
• Joint pain, especially in the hands and feet 
• Anaemia (low number of red blood cells) 

There is no single test for lupus. Diagnosis will involve: 

• Medical history 
• Physical examination 
• Tests could include blood and urine tests, X-Rays, and skin biopsy 

If your doctor suspects that you have lupus that affects your lungs or heart, they may do a chest X-ray for the lungs and an ECG for the heart.

Changes to your lifestyle can help minimise symptoms, reduce the likelihood of flares and improve your sense of well-being.  

• Protect yourself from the sun every day with high-factor UVA and UVB sunscreen, protective clothing and avoiding the sun. Before starting any new medication or other remedy, ask if it will increase sun sensitivity
• Manage fatigue: do the most important tasks first, plan a rest during the day
• Don’t smoke: SLE is more common in smokers and smoking makes symptoms worse
• Seek support from family, friends, your health team, and support groups

• About 10 times more women than men get lupus
• Usually diagnosed between 15 and 45 years of age
• It is three to four times more common in Māori and Pacific women and is also more common in Asian women
• Genetic factors and female hormones may play a part
• Possible environmental triggers include infections, exposure to the sun, and stress

Medications can include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs), steroids, biologics and skin preparations. You might need to see a skin specialist and a rheumatologist. Your treatment will depend on your specific symptoms. 

• See your doctor if you develop an unexplained rash, ongoing fever, persistent aching, or fatigue. Early diagnosis and treatment are important to reduce the long-term damage that lupus can cause within your body
• Protect yourself from sun exposure as this can cause or worsen lupus symptoms

Clinically reviewed in 2024.