Lupus

Lupus (also termed as systemic lupus erythematosus) is a systemic autoimmune disease mainly characterized by tissue damage and illness. Affected body systems include kidneys, joints, skin, brain, blood cells, lungs, and heart. Common symptoms include painful and swollen joints, unexplained fever, weight loss, prolonged fatigue, painful chest when deep breathing, rash on cheeks and nose, hair loss, light sensitivity, seizures, mouth and/or nose sores, purple or pale fingers and/or toes due to stress or cold. Other complications include kidney failure, headaches, behavior changes, strokes, memory and speech problems, blood problems, and cardiovascular disease. Lupus is most likely due to a combination of genetic predisposition and environmental factors such as excessive sunlight exposure, infections, and medications. It is more common among women, African-Americans, Asian-Americans, and Hispanics.