--- title: "Lupus: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis & Treatment | infoMD" description: "Lupus causes butterfly-shaped facial rash. Learn about symptoms, diagnosis, treatment options, and how to manage lupus with guidance from medical experts." lang: en json-ld: | [ { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "MedicalCondition", "name": "Lupus", "alternateName": [ "Systemic Lupus Erythematosus", "SLE" ], "description": "Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks healthy tissue throughout the body, causing widespread inflammation and damage. It can affect the joints, skin, kidneys, brain, heart, and lungs, with symptoms that flare and remit unpredictably.", "associatedAnatomy": { "@type": "AnatomicalSystem", "name": "Immune System" }, "signOrSymptom": [ { "@type": "MedicalSignOrSymptom", "name": "Butterfly-shaped facial rash" }, { "@type": "MedicalSignOrSymptom", "name": "Joint pain and swelling" }, { "@type": "MedicalSignOrSymptom", "name": "Extreme fatigue" }, { "@type": "MedicalSignOrSymptom", "name": "Skin lesions worsened by sun" }, { "@type": "MedicalSignOrSymptom", "name": "Fever" }, { "@type": "MedicalSignOrSymptom", "name": "Hair loss" } ], "possibleTreatment": [ { "@type": "MedicalTherapy", "name": "Sun protection - sunscreen (SPF 50+), protective clothing, and avoiding peak sun hours" }, { "@type": "MedicalTherapy", "name": "Regular rest and pacing activities to manage fatigue" }, { "@type": "MedicalTherapy", "name": "Balanced anti-inflammatory diet" }, { "@type": "MedicalTherapy", "name": "Regular low-impact exercise during remission" }, { "@type": "MedicalTherapy", "name": "Stress management and emotional support" }, { "@type": "MedicalTherapy", "name": "Smoking cessation" }, { "@type": "MedicalTherapy", "name": "Vitamin D supplementation (many lupus patients are deficient)" }, { "@type": "MedicalTherapy", "name": "Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) - the cornerstone of lupus treatment for all patients" }, { "@type": "MedicalTherapy", "name": "NSAIDs for joint pain and inflammation" }, { "@type": "MedicalTherapy", "name": "Corticosteroids (prednisone) for flare management" }, { "@type": "MedicalTherapy", "name": "Immunosuppressants (azathioprine, mycophenolate, cyclophosphamide) for organ involvement" }, { "@type": "MedicalTherapy", "name": "Belimumab (Benlysta) - a biologic specifically approved for lupus" }, { "@type": "MedicalTherapy", "name": "Anifrolumab (Saphnelo) - a newer biologic targeting interferon pathway" } ], "riskFactor": [ { "@type": "MedicalRiskFactor", "name": "Being female (9 out of 10 lupus patients are women)" }, { "@type": "MedicalRiskFactor", "name": "Age 15-44 (most common age of onset)" }, { "@type": "MedicalRiskFactor", "name": "African American, Hispanic, or Asian descent" }, { "@type": "MedicalRiskFactor", "name": "Family history of lupus or other autoimmune diseases" }, { "@type": "MedicalRiskFactor", "name": "Sun exposure" }, { "@type": "MedicalRiskFactor", "name": "Certain medications (drug-induced lupus)" }, { "@type": "MedicalRiskFactor", "name": "Smoking" }, { "@type": "MedicalRiskFactor", "name": "Epstein-Barr virus infection" } ], "typicalTest": "Physical examination, blood tests, and imaging studies" }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "FAQPage", "mainEntity": [ { "@type": "Question", "name": "Is lupus contagious?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "No. Lupus is not contagious and cannot be transmitted from one person to another through any form of contact. It is an autoimmune disease in which the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own healthy tissues. While the exact cause is unknown, it involves a combination of genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Can you die from lupus?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "While lupus can be life-threatening if vital organs like the kidneys, heart, or brain are severely affected, survival rates have improved dramatically. With modern treatment, over 90% of people with lupus live at least 10 years after diagnosis, and many live a normal lifespan. Early diagnosis and consistent treatment are the most important factors in preventing serious complications." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Can men get lupus?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Yes, men can develop lupus, though it is far less common. About 1 in 10 lupus patients is male. Men with lupus may experience more severe disease and are more likely to have kidney involvement, serositis (inflammation of linings around organs), and blood abnormalities. Lupus in men is treated the same way as in women." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Can you have a baby if you have lupus?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Yes, many women with lupus have successful pregnancies. However, lupus pregnancies are considered high-risk and require careful planning and monitoring. It's best to conceive during a period of remission (at least 6 months of stable disease). You'll need a team approach with your rheumatologist and obstetrician. Some medications must be adjusted before conception." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What triggers a lupus flare?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Common triggers include sun or UV light exposure, emotional or physical stress, infections, overexertion, sleep deprivation, hormonal changes (pregnancy, menstruation), and certain medications (especially sulfa antibiotics). Not everyone has the same triggers, so keeping a symptom diary can help you identify yours." } } ] }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://infomd.com" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Conditions", "item": "https://infomd.com/conditions" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Immune System", "item": "https://infomd.com/conditions/body-system/immune-system" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "Lupus", "item": "https://infomd.com/conditions/lupus" } ] } ] --- [Skip to main content](#main-content) [![infoMD](/assets/infomd-logo-CtvTblFD.png)](/) [Home](/) [Conditions](/conditions) [Glossary](/glossary)[Shop](/shop) 1. [Home](/) 2. [Conditions](/conditions) 3. [Immune System](/conditions/body-system/immune-system) 4. Lupus Immune System [Inflammation](/topics/inflammation)[Women's Health](/topics/womens-health)[Immune Health](/topics/immune-health) # Lupus Also known as: Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, SLE infoMD Editorial Team February 15, 2025 8 min read Share: [](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Finfomd.com%2Fconditions%2Flupus)[](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https%3A%2F%2Finfomd.com%2Fconditions%2Flupus&text=Lupus) ### Quick Facts Type Chronic Affects Women of childbearing age (15-44), especially African American, Hispanic, and Asian women Prevalence Affects approximately 1.5 million Americans and 5 million people worldwide Treatable Manageable with immunosuppressants, antimalarials, and corticosteroids See a Specialist Rheumatologist ICD-10 Code M32 ## Overview Lupus, formally known as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), is a chronic autoimmune disease in which the immune system becomes hyperactive and attacks healthy tissue throughout the body. This can cause widespread inflammation and damage to virtually any organ system, including the joints, skin, kidneys, brain, heart, and lungs. Lupus is notoriously difficult to diagnose because its symptoms mimic many other conditions, earning it the nickname "the great imitator." The disease is characterized by periods of flares - when symptoms worsen - and remissions - when symptoms improve or disappear. The hallmark butterfly-shaped rash across the cheeks and nose occurs in many but not all patients. While lupus can be a serious and potentially life-threatening condition, advances in treatment have dramatically improved outcomes. Most people with lupus today can expect to live a normal or near-normal lifespan with proper medical management. Understanding triggers, working closely with a rheumatologist, and adhering to treatment plans are the keys to living well with lupus. ## Symptoms Recognizing the symptoms of lupus early can lead to faster diagnosis and better outcomes. ### Early Symptoms - Extreme fatigue and malaise - Joint pain, stiffness, and swelling - Butterfly-shaped rash across the cheeks and nose - Skin lesions that appear or worsen with sun exposure - Low-grade fever with no clear cause - Hair thinning or loss ### Advanced Symptoms - Kidney inflammation (lupus nephritis) causing swelling, dark urine - Chest pain from pleurisy or pericarditis - Raynaud's phenomenon (fingers turning white/blue in cold) - Mouth or nose ulcers - Seizures or confusion from brain involvement - Blood disorders including anemia and easy bruising ### Emergency Warning Signs - Severe chest pain or difficulty breathing (possible pleuritis or pulmonary embolism) - Blood in urine or severe swelling (kidney crisis) - Seizures, confusion, or severe headache (CNS involvement) - High fever unresponsive to treatment When to See a Doctor See a doctor if you develop an unexplained rash, persistent fever, ongoing fatigue, or joint pain that doesn't resolve. If you've been diagnosed with lupus, contact your doctor immediately if you experience new or worsening symptoms, especially signs of kidney, heart, or neurological involvement. ## Causes & Risk Factors ### Common Causes - Autoimmune dysfunction - the immune system attacks the body's own tissues - Genetic predisposition (multiple genes associated with lupus susceptibility) - Hormonal factors (estrogen may play a role, explaining female predominance) - Environmental triggers including sunlight, infections, and certain medications - Epigenetic changes that alter immune cell function ### Risk Factors - Being female (9 out of 10 lupus patients are women) - Age 15-44 (most common age of onset) - African American, Hispanic, or Asian descent - Family history of lupus or other autoimmune diseases - Sun exposure - Certain medications (drug-induced lupus) - Smoking - Epstein-Barr virus infection ## How It's Diagnosed Lupus is diagnosed through a combination of clinical criteria, laboratory tests, and the overall clinical picture. No single test can definitively confirm lupus. The American College of Rheumatology classification criteria consider factors including the characteristic rash, joint inflammation, kidney involvement, blood abnormalities, and immune markers. Key laboratory tests include antinuclear antibody (ANA), which is positive in nearly all lupus patients, and more specific antibodies like anti-double-stranded DNA (anti-dsDNA) and anti-Smith (anti-Sm). A complete blood count may reveal anemia, low white blood cells, or low platelets. Urinalysis and kidney function tests check for nephritis. Complement levels (C3, C4) are often low during active disease. Your rheumatologist will piece together your symptoms, physical findings, and lab results to make the diagnosis. ## Treatment Options ### Lifestyle Changes - Sun protection - sunscreen (SPF 50+), protective clothing, and avoiding peak sun hours - Regular rest and pacing activities to manage fatigue - Balanced anti-inflammatory diet - Regular low-impact exercise during remission - Stress management and emotional support - Smoking cessation - Vitamin D supplementation (many lupus patients are deficient) ### Medications - Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) - the cornerstone of lupus treatment for all patients - NSAIDs for joint pain and inflammation - Corticosteroids (prednisone) for flare management - Immunosuppressants (azathioprine, mycophenolate, cyclophosphamide) for organ involvement - Belimumab (Benlysta) - a biologic specifically approved for lupus - Anifrolumab (Saphnelo) - a newer biologic targeting interferon pathway ### Complementary Approaches - Omega-3 fatty acid supplements to reduce inflammation - Mind-body practices like meditation and yoga for stress management - Acupuncture for pain management - Vitamin D and calcium supplementation for bone health ## Living With Lupus Living with lupus requires becoming an expert on your own body. Learning to recognize your personal flare triggers - whether it's sun exposure, stress, lack of sleep, or overexertion - is essential for minimizing flares. Many people with lupus find that maintaining a consistent routine with adequate rest, sun protection, and stress management helps keep their disease under control. The unpredictable nature of lupus can be emotionally challenging. Building a strong support network - including a knowledgeable medical team, understanding family and friends, and connections with other lupus patients - makes a real difference. Mental health support is important, as depression and anxiety are common in chronic illness. With proper treatment, most people with lupus are able to work, have families, and lead fulfilling lives. ## Potential Complications - Lupus nephritis (kidney inflammation) potentially leading to kidney failure - Cardiovascular disease (accelerated atherosclerosis) - Stroke or transient ischemic attack - Blood clots (antiphospholipid syndrome) - Avascular necrosis (bone tissue death) from steroid use - Increased infection risk from immunosuppressive therapy - Pregnancy complications including preeclampsia and miscarriage ## Frequently Asked Questions ### Is lupus contagious? ### Can you die from lupus? ### Can men get lupus? ### Can you have a baby if you have lupus? ### What triggers a lupus flare? * * * ## Sources 1. Lupus. Mayo Clinic . 2. Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (Lupus). National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases . 3. What Is Lupus?. Lupus Foundation of America . 4. Lupus. American College of Rheumatology . Medical Disclaimer This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Reviewed By infoMD Editorial Team Last reviewed: March 20, 2025 In This Article [Overview](#overview)[Symptoms](#symptoms)[Causes & Risk Factors](#causes-risk-factors)[How It's Diagnosed](#how-it-s-diagnosed)[Treatment Options](#treatment-options)[Living With Lupus](#living-with-lupus)[Potential Complications](#potential-complications)[Frequently Asked Questions](#frequently-asked-questions)[Sources](#sources) ### Quick Facts Type Chronic Affects Women of childbearing age (15-44), especially African American, Hispanic, and Asian women Prevalence Affects approximately 1.5 million Americans and 5 million people worldwide Treatable Manageable with immunosuppressants, antimalarials, and corticosteroids See a Specialist Rheumatologist ICD-10 Code M32 Advertisement Was this page helpful? 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