Lupus is a chronic condition where the body’s immune system attacks its tissues and organs. Lupus causes inflammation in the body, impacting various areas such as the joints, skin, kidneys, brain, heart, lungs and blood cells.
Lupus is a notoriously difficult condition to diagnose because the symptoms mimic those of many other ailments. However, the most distinctive symptom is facial rash known as ‘the butterfly effect’ ( a name given due to the visual appearance). The rash looks like a butterfly spreading its wings across both cheeks.
The symptoms that a Lupus sufferer experiences will vary depending on which of the body’s systems are currently affected, but some of the most common signs are:
- Joint pain, swelling, and stiffness
- Butterfly shaped facial rash across the nose and cheeks
- Skin lesions which are photosensitive and worsen following exposure to the sun
- Raynaud’s Phenomenon
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Dry eyes
- Confusion and memory loss
Some individuals are born with a predisposition for lupus in which case it can be triggered by infections, certain medications or even exposure to sunlight. There is no permanent cure for lupus, but the symptoms can be treated.