Why

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a presently incurable illness of 

the immune system, a condition in which the body’s defence 

mechanism begins to attack itself through an excess of antibodies in 

the blood stream causing inflammation and damage to the joints,

muscles and other organs. worldwide it's acknowledged as being more common than leukemia, muscular dystrophy and multiple sclerosis, and those conditions (and others) share a number of similar symptoms. 

 

Discoid Lupus Erythematosus is usually a 

condition of the skin alone, but in a very few patients might develop 

into systemic lupus. 

The disease may be triggered by various means and can present 

itself my mimicking other diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, multiple 

sclerosis, ME etc. The cause of lupus is not positively known though 

research has provided evidence implicating heredity, hormones and 

infections including viruses. Some 50,000 may have lupus in the UK and 

90% of sufferers are female, mainly between the ages of 15 and 50. 

With its many symptoms, lupus can often be overlooked by a GP 

or Consultant which may delay final diagnosis and a vital start to 

necessary treatment which can contain the disease and limit potential 

damage to the kidneys, heart, lungs or brain. 

Those diagnosed usually remain in medical care and receive 

ongoing treatment. Many symptoms will have less impact but there 

may be side effects. Lupus can adversely affect the lives of sufferers and 

 

their families, and influence relationships with friends and colleagues.

 

Although there are many possible manifestations of lupus, those listed below are some of the more common. Lupus is a disease which can present many different facets, rarely do two people have exactly the same symptoms, and these can vary from just one to many.

 

 

 

  • Joint/muscle aches and pains
  • Permanent rash over cheeks
  • Extreme fatigue and weakness
  • Increased risk of miscarriage
  • Rashes from sunlight/UV light
  • Flu-like symptoms and/or night sweats
  • Weight gain or loss
  • Inflammation of the tissues covering internal organs with associated chest and/or abdominal pain
  • Seizures, mental illness or other cerebral problems
  • Headaches, migraine
  • Kidney problems
  • Oral/nasal ulcers
  • Hair loss
  • Depression
  • Haematological disorders including anaemia
  • Swollen glands
  • Poor blood circulation causing the tips of fingers and toes to turn white then blue on exposure to cold (Raynauds)

A person with lupus may have four or five symptoms, where some of these might recede and/or others develop.

THE TWO MAJOR SYMPTOMS OF LUPUS APPEAR TO BE:

JOINT/MUSCLE ACHES AND PAINS

EXTREME FATIGUE AND WEAKNESS

We will be donating to the St. Thomas' Lupus trust in order to help raise much needed funds so they can continue in their vital research and support the Louise Coote Lupus Unit.

Thank you for your time and support