Although lupus affects many men and children, it is most common in women. It can occur at any age but normally affects individuals between the ages of 15 and 40. Chances of developing the disease are greater in people who have a family history of lupus, are female and take medications that are associated with drug induced systemic lupus. Lupus is also more common in African-American, Asian, and Indian women. The reasons for this are unclear.

Causes

The causes of lupus are unknown. However, it is known that there are problems with the immune system, in which the body's immune system fails to serve it's normal protective functions. Instead, the problem causes the immune system to form antibodies that attack the body's own healthy tissues and organs as if they were foriegn substances like bateria or viruses. No on knows what causes the body to attack it's own tissues. The cause may be a mixture of factors inherited from parents and from the environment, such as extreme stress, antibotics, infections, chemicals, certain drugs, hormones and/or exposure to sun light. Although lupus occurs within families, there are no known genes linked to this illiness. About 10% of patients have a close family member who has the disease.

Types of Lupus

For most, lupus is a mild disease affecting only a few major organs. For others, it may be more serious and even life threatening. Lupus is characterized by periods of remission and flares or relapses. There are several types of lupus, none of which are contagious.

Discoid or Cutaneous Lupus- a form of lupus which is confined to the skin. The only symptom is skin rash that appears on the face, neck, scalp and other areas of skin exposed to ultraviolet lights. This form of lupus rarely progresses to the systemic form.

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus- a form of lupus in which skin rash is more widespread and may cause inflammation in a number of organs in the body. This may include joint pain and fever.

Drug-Induced Systemic Lupus- a form of lupus that occurs when certain medications are taken. It rarely affects the kidneys or central nervous system. Symptoms fade when drug usage is discontinued.

Neonatal Lupus- a form of lupus that may occur in infants born to mothers with lupus.

Symptoms

Lupus presents itself in a number of ways. People who have lupus may be tired, have skin rashes, or may have joint swelling and/or pain. Individuals with the more serious form of the disease may experience problems with the kidneys, heart, lungs, blood or nervous system. Symptoms depend on what body organs are affected and how much. The symptoms listed below are in the early stages of individuals with the disease.