Lupus is a chronic inflammatory condition in which the immune system becomes hyperactive and attacks healthy tissue. Under normal function, the immune system creates antibodies to protect against antigens such as viruses and bacteria. Lupus, however, prevents the immune system from being able to differentiate between healthy tissue and antigens. It directs antibodies to attack both, resulting in widespread symptoms including inflammation and swelling. Lupus can affect many systems throughout the body, including the joints, skin, kidneys, blood, heart, and lungs.
Because its symptoms closely resemble those seen in many other conditions, lupus can be challenging to diagnose. With that being said, one common distinctive sign is the butterfly wing rash across the cheeks. Still, there are many types of lupus, each with varying symptoms. Even different cases can have unique symptoms, some of which can be temporary. Subacute cutaneous lupus can manifest as a result of sun exposure, while drug-induced lupus is brought on by medication. While researchers aren’t sure exactly what causes most cases of lupus, it is believed to be due to a combination of hereditary, environmental, and hormonal factors.