Lupus has the full name of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus or SLE. It is an autoimmune disease and is probably best described as inflammation in the small blood vessels in the connective tissue. This inflammation may cause problems in the function and structure of such vital organs as the kidneys, heart, brain, lungs etc. Also, less serious symptoms may occur in the skin and joints. It is NOT infectious or contagious.

There are several forms of this illness. Discoid Lupus Erythematosus (DLE) and Subacute Lupus Erythematosus (SCLE) are two types of Lupus where skin rashes and sun sensitivity are the primary symptoms.
Discoid Lupus Erythematosus (DLE) may cause raised reddish patches on the face, scalp, ears, arms and/or chest, while in SCLE, rashes typically occur on the arms and upper body. These patches may be thick and scaly and will heal after a period of time possibly leaving some scars. With these types of Lupus, the internal organs are not affected and general health is usually good. Discoid Lupus alone is not the worst form of this disease and is not life threatening.
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a complex disease that may start with one or more of a variety of symptoms. Some 90% of cases are women with the ailment, usually beginning in the early child-bearing years. Facial rash is often an early sign. Flu-like symptoms, fatigue, weakness, lack of energy, joint pain, loss of appetite and weight, and anaemia are common in the beginning. The specific symptoms of Lupus are caused by inflammation in one or more tissues of the body, and can vary from person to person. Few people will experience all these symptoms. As the disease progresses almost every patient suffers arthritis-like inflammation and pain in the joints. Some patients may experience fever, swollen glands and even hair loss. Up to 50% of people with Lupus are photosensitive, meaning that sunlight can trigger or worsen their symptoms. Photosensitivity may increase the risk of developing skin cancers, so precautions should be taken when in the sun.
Drug induced Lupus develops as a reaction to certain medications used to treat other medical conditions. Fortunately drug induced Lupus goes away when the person stops taking the medication which triggered the Lupus.

Lupus involves an attack by the body's immune (defence) system on its own tissues. The cause of this auto immune reaction is unknown. It is felt that both genetic and environmental factors are important in the causation of Lupus. There is a definite link between Lupus and certain hormones as women of child-bearing age seem to suffer more as a group from the ailment. This relationship is not completely understood. As well, some external factors are thought to trigger the onset of the disease.

As with all conditions your Doctor should be consulted to diagnose and treat this condition. Ask your Doctor about the latest advice on this ailment.
- Lupus is a very difficult ailment to diagnose because the symptoms are so varied. It is very important that when the disease is diagnosed the patient is monitored regularly.
- There is no known cure for this disease although with regular visits to your Doctor and careful health management Systemic Lupus patients can lead an almost normal life.
- Topical creams and ointments are used to control Lupus rashes.
- Steroid and antimalarial drugs are used in treating Lupus rash.
- It is important to maintain regular exercise of all joints to help maintain their movement. A suitable exercise for a Lupus patient is swimming.
- Sun protection is essential for people who are photosensitive. Keep out of the sun during the hottest partsof the day (10am-2pm) and wear tightly woven clothing, SPF 30+ sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses.

Ask your Pharmacist for advice.
1) Follow the Diet Hints and keep the bodyweight at an appropriate level.
2) If you need help with your prescribed medication ask your Pharmacist, particularly if you are prescribed corticosteroids. Do not take any other medication which you think might be beneficial without consulting your Doctor or Pharmacist.
3) All patients should avoid excess sunlight exposure which can promote the reddening and inflammation of the skin. Ask your Pharmacist for a suitable UV filter cream or lotion.
4) An anti-inflammatory drug may be suggested for arthritis and pleurisy. Ask your Doctor or Pharmacist for advice.
5) Have regular exercise but not to excess, to help the bodyweight and promote fitness and blood circulation. Some people with Lupus have limitations on the amount of physical activity they are capable of. See you Doctor for a suitable exercise regime.
6) If the diet is inadequate consider some supplements.

- See the Lupus Diet on the Healthpoint.
- Patients with Lupus are more prone to develop vascular disease resulting in coronary heart disease and stroke. To minimise this risk, patients should follow a balanced low cholesterol diet. The Lupus patient must eat a highly nutritious diet to stay as healthy as possible.
- Omega-3 fatty acids (found in fish oil and flaxseed oil) are thought to have anti-inflammatory effects. A recent clincial study indicates that eating at least 2 oily fish-based meals per week may help to improve the symptoms of SLE. Sources of oily fish include; salmon, tuna, mackerel, sardines and mullet.

- Omega-3 fatty acids (found in fish oil and flaxseed oil) are thought to have anti-inflammatory effects. A recent clincial study indicates that taking a daily fish oil supplement (of at least 3 mg) may help to improve the symptoms of SLE.
- Turmeric may assist Lupus via its anti-inflammatory benefits.
-- Acidophilus can assist in digestion and and detoxification.

- Vitamin E can be beneficial in the treatment of Lupus as vitamin E deficiencies often lead to onset of symptoms of lupus. Vitamin E may be especially helpful for people with discoid lupus.
- Milk thistle may improve liver function and can provide protection against the potential damage of pharmaceutical medications.
- White willow bark may provide pain relief for lupus via its analgesic properties.
- Devil's claw may be beneficial in the treatment of lupus due to its anti-inflammatory properties.