About Lupus...                                       

Lupus is a disease where the immune system becomes overactive. Antibodies are produced and almost all organs of the body can be involved. The illness is inflammatory and can also affect the skin, joints and organs. It is neither infectious nor contagious yet may be life threatening.

Symptoms are many and the illness often seems to mimic other diseases. As a result of this difficulty in diagnosis is common and lupus can be overlooked, sometimes for years, achieving earlier diagnosis allows better opportunity for the control of the disease.

Some 50,000 people are believed to suffer with the disease in the UK of whom 90% are female. Men and young children can also be affected by lupus. Lupus affects people from all countries in the world although there are certain countries in which the disease appears to be more prevalent for instance the Caribbean, the Far East and China.

Triggers

Lupus can be triggered by a range of different events and factors 

Features of Lupus

Chronic fatigue and joint/muscle pain flu-like illness, skin rashes [including the classical ‘butterfly’ rash on the cheeks and nose] hair loss, depression, anaemia.

Diagnosis

By Rheumatologists, skin, kidney and other specialists but very rarely by a family doctor unless they are familiar with the illness.

Treatment

Diagnosed patients usually take medication over a long term such as steroids, ‘antimalarials’, anti-inflammatories and/or anti-coagulants.

Education, rest and the understanding of family/friends are vital.

To find out more about Lupus the links and books below may be helpful

Links (these open within this webpage)

http://www.uklupus.co.uk/ - This site contains loads of information about the illness, its symptoms and treatments

http://www.lupusuk.com/ - This is the website of Lupus UK, the only national registered charity supporting people with Lupus

 http://www.lupus.org.uk/ - This is the site of the specialist  Lupus unit at St Thomas’ Hospital in London

Books

Understanding Lupus  by Graham Hughes - this contains some straightforward answers to common questions about Lupus by Dr Graham Hughes, a specialist in the illness.

Like to recommend a book or website? Email us at hertsandbedslupus@hotmail.com