The name Lupus means wolf in Latin and because we have known about the disease for the last thousand years or so it is believed it got this name because the skin rashes that occur resemble the look of wolf bites.
In very broad terms Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease whereby the immune system, which is designed to attack abnormal tissue and keep one healthy, becomes hyperactive and attacks normal healthy tissue.
At this point in time we do not know what brings on these attacks but they result in inflammation and skin rashes among the visible symptoms.
Lupus occurs more frequently in women in that nine out of ten people with lupus are women.
People of all races can have the disease.
However, Lupus is also more common in African American women, as well as Hispanic, Asian and Native American females.
There are four different types of Lupus disease and they can be broken down as follows: 1.
Cutaneous Lupus erythematosus that affects the skin.
2.
Systemic Lupus erythematosus (SLE) can attack any of the following body systems: skin, joints, lungs, blood, blood vessels, heart, kidneys, liver, brain and the nervous system.
3.
Drug-induced Lupus may develop after taking certain prescription medicines.
However, the symptoms disappear after the drugs are discontinued.
4.
Neonatal Lupus is a rare condition.
Again, these areas can be broken down into even more detail and, in most cases are treated by your GP or specialist physicians on their advice.
Although the disease should be respected and can be deadly, it is considered a manageable chronic disease rather than a fatal one; with 80% to 90% of people living a normal lifespan.
Where death does occur, the two most common causes are infection by other opportunist diseases and kidney failure.
Lupus is not contagious, nor can it be transmitted through sexual contact; and it isn't a form of cancer, nor is it in anyway similar to AIDS.
In fact, it behaves in the exact opposite way to that of AIDS.
The Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome has a deficient under active immune system and the immune system in Lupus cases is overactive, producing large quantities of antibodies.
Although the cause of Lupus is really unknown, it is believed to be brought on by a number of factors; including one's genetic make-up and it is suspected that people could inherit it - although there is no scientific proof of this.
Exposure to certain unknown factors and certain medications can also provide the right environment for this disease to develop.
It is also thought extreme stress may also play a part in bringing on Lupus, even though there is no scientific evidence of this.
Finally, although there is no laid down exercise and diet program for Lupus sufferers one should encourage exercise such as walking, swimming, cycling and other aerobic activities when possible.
It is also felt that 'fats' play a very important role in the control of this disease and patients should consider a low fat, low sodium, low sugar and high fiber diet similar to those recommended the American Heart or Cancer Bodies.
This brief outline about Lupus should only serve as general background to the disease and if you feel you may be affected in any way, please consult your own doctor.