Lupus (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus) is an autoimmune disease that primarily affects women. It can produces many different symptoms that may also occur in other conditions. No single test can prove that a person does or does not have lupus. The diagnosis must be made by an internist or a rheumatologist, who specializes in autoimmune diseases. Although lupus can cause severe, life threatening illness, many patients can be treated successfully with medications to minimize their symptoms. Common symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain and swelling, muscle pain, unexplained fever, and skin rash. Although several kinds of rash may develop on different parts of the body, a very characteristic facial rash called a “malar” or “butterfly” rash frequently occurs on the cheeks and across the nose.
More about Lupus