WHAT IS LUPUS?
Lupus is a chronic (long-term) disease that can cause inflammation and pain in any part of your body. It’s an autoimmune disease, which means that your immune system — the body system that usually fights infections — attacks healthy tissue instead. (sic Lupus.org)
LUPUS commonly affects our: Skin, Joints and Internal Organs
Common signs and symptoms of LUPUS:
- Extreme fatigue (feeling tired all the time)
- Pain or swelling in the joints (hands, feet, or around the eyes)
- Headaches
- Low grade fevers
- Sensitivity to sunlight or fluorescent light
- Chest pain when breathing deeply
- A butterfly shaped rash on cheeks
- Raised patches on your skin
- Hair loss
- Sores in the mouth or nose
- Fingers and toes turning white or blue when stressed or cold
- Depression
- Trouble thinking
- Memory loss
- Low blood count
- Seizures or other nerve problems
- Too much protein in your urine
There are 4 main types of LUPUS:
- Cutaneous Erythematosus; form of LUPUS that is limited to the skin
- Systemic (SLE): most common form
- Drug-induced: lupus-like disease caused by prescription drugs
- Neonatal: rare condition that affects infants of women who have LUPUS
How can I cope with LUPUS?
- Pay attention to your body
- Stay involved in your community support group
- Exercise and get healthy
- Go at your own pace to reduce stress or external elements that creates it
- Get enough rest
What causes LUPUS?
As of today, we don’t know. Research is still ongoing and there is no cure but can be managed.