Lupus isn’t a rare disease. About 16,000 new cases are diagnosed each year. However, the disease is rare for certain classifications of people. Ninety percent of lupus patients are women and are mostly African Americans, Latinos, Asians, and Native Americans. Patient are usually diagnosed with lupus in between the ages of 15 and 45. Lupus affects people of all ages, races, and both sexes

despite what most statistics say (Purcell; Cassell; National Institute of Health; Shugarts)

There are three different types of lupus: discoid, systematic, and drug-induced. Discoid lupus is just limited to the skin. Sufferers usually only have a rash

Ten percent of patients with discoid lupus eventually acquire what is called systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Systemic lupus erythematosus is the form of the disease that most people are referring to when they mention “lupus.” The word “systemic” means that this disease can affect any organ or system of the body. Some people will only experience problems with their skin and joints, but others may have more serious problems. Joints, lungs, kidneys, blood, and other organs may be affected in others.

Lupus is sometimes referred to as the “disease with 1,000 faces” because of its many symptoms and the fact that they often mimic those of other illnesses, making it hard to diagnose. It is very rare that any two patients have the exact same symptoms. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and may come and go as time passes. Some of the most common symptoms include: rash on cheeks and nose (often called the “butterfly” rash), extreme fatigue, fever, depression, joint/muscle pain, headache, and swollen legs and ankles. Other symptoms may include: weight gain or loss, nausea, frequent urination, foaming urine, seizures, memory problems, hair loss, cold hands and feet, and possible involvement in kidneys, heart, lungs and brain. When lupus gets into your kidneys, it can impair their ability to get rid of waste products. If inflammation occu

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