World Lupus Day is observed on May 10th. Lupus is a long-term autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system becomes hyperactive and attacks normal, healthy tissue. Lupus is a serious life-threatening autoimmune disease that affects one organ of the body. Purple is the official color of Lupus. Since 2004, lupus organizations around the globe have conducted activities on May 10 to raise awareness and educate the public about the symptoms and health effects of lupus. Likewise, the symbol often used to symbolize lupus is a butterfly, which represents the distinctive butterfly-shaped facial rash often seen in those with lupus.

Symptoms:

No two cases of lupus are exactly alike. Signs and symptoms may come on suddenly or develop slowly, may be mild or severe and may be temporary or permanent. Most people with lupus have mild disease characterized by episodes called flares when signs and symptoms get worse for a while, then improve or even disappear completely for a time. Hence visit your doctor if you develop an unexplained rash, ongoing fever, persistent aching or fatigue. Women with lupus have an increased risk of miscarriage. Some of the symptoms are rashes, chest pain, hair loss and light sensitivity.

Causes:

It’s unclear why some people get lupus. People with an inherited predisposition for lupus may develop the disease when they come into contact with something in the environment that can trigger lupus. In fact some potential triggers include Sunlight, Infections, Medications. Lupus isn’t contagious, so you can’t catch it from anyone else.

Treatment:

While there’s no cure for lupus, current treatments focus on improving quality of life through controlling symptoms and minimizing flare-ups. This begins with lifestyle modifications, including sun protection and diet. Further disease management includes medication such as anti-inflammatories and steroids.

World Lupus day is celebrated to support and strengthen the patients and spread awareness about this little known disease and eliminate all the myths. In conclusion World Lupus Day was created by Lupus Canada in 2004 to raise awareness of this disease that can have devastating effects on patients and their families.

Myth : Lupus is curable.                                                                                                                                                                                                            Fact : There’s no cure for lupus

Myth : There’s only one type of lupus.                                                                                                                                                                                    Fact : There are four different types of lupus

In depth article about lupus.