Disease hub
Lupus
Supporting patients and caregivers with reliable information, research updates, and a community that understands your journey.About the condition
What is lupus?
Lupus is a long-term autoimmune disease. This means the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own healthy cells and tissues, which can lead to inflammation and damage in different parts of the body, including the skin, joints, kidneys, heart, and lungs. While lupus has several forms, this hub focuses primarily on systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), the most common and complex form of the disease. Because lupus symptoms can change over time and overlap with other conditions, diagnosis and disease management may be challenging.Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
The most common form, affecting multiple organ systems including the kidneys, heart, and joints.
Cutaneous lupus
Primarily affects the skin, causing rashes and lesions, most often triggered by sun exposure.
Drug-induced lupus
A lupus-like syndrome triggered by certain medications, which usually resolves when the drug is stopped.
Neonatal lupus
A rare condition affecting newborns of mothers with certain antibodies; often temporary.
Common symptoms
Fatigue
Joint pain or swelling
Skin rashes
Fever
Hair loss
Mouth sores
Living with lupus
Managing life with an unpredictable condition
Lupus can affect daily life in many ways. Some people experience periods of increased symptoms, often called flares, followed by periods where symptoms are more controlled. Fatigue, uncertainty, and the invisible nature of symptoms can make lupus difficult for others to understand. Caregivers and family members often carry a significant weight too.On average, people with lupus wait around 6 years from their first symptoms before receiving a correct diagnosis.
Research
Research and new treatments
Research in lupus is active and evolving. Current focus areas include:
Better treatments
Research is developing therapies that more precisely target the immune pathways involved in lupus, with fewer side effects.
Earlier diagnosis
Studies working to reduce the diagnostic delay many patients experience due to overlapping symptoms.
Disease activity monitoring
Improving tools to track flares and measure how well treatments are working over time.
Patient experience
Understanding how lupus affects daily life, and how care can better reflect what patients actually need.
Not sure what research participation involves? We’ll walk you through it.
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Stay informed about lupus research, care developments, and news.
Research updates
Educational resources
