Lupus is an autoimmune disease that causes the body’s immune cells to attack its own tissues and organs causing an inflammation. Also know as systemic lupus erythematosus, this inflammatory disease can affect many different body parts (such as joints) leading to severe pain. As the signs and symptoms of lupus are same that observed in various other ailments, it is difficult to get diagnosed for the condition. However, one of the most distinguishable features of lupus is a facial rash that appears as unfolding of the wings of the butterfly on the cheek.
This disease is hereditary meaning that some people have the condition since birth but suffer from the disease only if triggered by external factors such as exposure to sunlight, certain drugs and infection. Although there is no cure for the disease, with the help of early diagnosis and effective treatment options that are available, you can control its symptoms and lead a healthy life. Our expert Dr Atul Gattani, Consultant Rheumatologist at Wockhardt Hospital, Vashi shed light on some of the key facts related to systemic lupus erythematosus, an autoimmune disease.