October is Lupus awareness month

Lupus Awareness Month takes place during October in the United Kingdom every year. It is an important opportunity to raise awareness of the disease.

Building awareness of lupus is essential to improve early diagnosis and treatment of this unpredictable and misunderstood disease, and ensure that people with lupus are aware of the support and resources available to help them manage the disease.

Lupus is an autoimmune disease. It happens when the body’s immune system starts to attack various parts in it’s own body. This can cause inflammation, damage and pain. Lupus can affect skin, joints and organs. The symptoms of lupus can cause severe pain and can even be life-threatening, but they are not often visible from the outside, causing others to not always understand.

Despite many years of research, the cause of lupus is still not known. Scientists believe there are several things that may trigger the formation of the antibodies, including genetic, hormonal and environmental factors. Some of the possible triggers include:

• Hormones (females between the age of 15 and 45 are most commonly affected)

• Certain medications

• Dietary factors

• Viruses and bacteria

• Stress

• Genetics

• Pregnancy

• Exposure to UV light

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is very important for treatment and prevention of recurrence of Lupus Speak to your doctor about diagnosis, management, and prevention of recurrences.

Participants can also help to raise awareness by wearing purple for the day and encouraging others to do the same.

This article is intended to inform and give insight but not treat, diagnose or replace the advice of a doctor. Always seek medical advice with any questions regarding a medical condition.