Lupus is a condition where the body’s immune system begins to attack its own healthy cells, muscles, tissues, and organs, causing severe inflammation. It can occur in any body part, such as the joints, skin, blood cells, brain, kidneys, heart, and/or lungs. Symptoms of this autoimmune disease begin to appear between the ages of 15 and 44 and can often be difficult to detect due to their similarity with other ailments.

Early signs of lupus
One of the most common signs of lupus is the appearance of a butterfly-shaped rash on the face that covers the cheeks and the bridge of the nose. Other signs and symptoms may include:

– Fatigue
– Unexplained fever, between 98.5˚F (36.9˚C) and 101˚F (38.3˚C)
– Joint pain, stiffness, and/or swelling
– Skin lesions that change depending on sun exposure
– Fingers or toes that appear blue or white when exposed to the cold
– Shortness of breath
– Chest pain
– Dry eyes
– Headaches, confusion, and memory problems
– Hair loss or the appearance of bald spots on the scalp
– Kidney inflammation with symptoms like swelling in the lower legs and feet, high blood pressure, blood in the urine, darker urine, pain in the side of the body, or a frequent urge to urinate at night
– Gastrointestinal problems like heartburn and acid reflux
– Thyroid problems
– Dry mouth

Lupus treatment
Currently, there is no known cure for lupus. However, the condition can be managed using a combination of treatments to prevent flare-ups and minimize damage to the organs in the body.

This course of treatment may include a variety of medical interventions that work together to suppress the immune system, reduce the severity of inflammation, relieve pain, and slow down the progression of symptoms. Healthcare providers are best equipped to chart this out depending on an individual’s symptoms, age, and overall medical history.

In addition to formal treatment, changing certain lifestyle habits can go a long way in managing the condition at home. Some of these include limiting sun exposure, staying healthy and active to reduce joint pain, getting enough sleep, reducing stress, and prioritizing one’s mental health.