Lupus is an inflammatory disease that can involve many parts of the body, including the skin, joints, kidneys, blood vessels, heart, lungs and brain. In many patients the disease is mild, but in others it can lead to life-threatening complications.

Lupus is an autoimmune disease, meaning the patient's hyperactive immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own tissues. The most common and most serious form is called systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Other types of lupus include a temporary form brought on by certain drugs, a skin disease called discoid (cutaneous) lupus and a rare form that affects newborns.

Lupus varies widely in how it affects individuals. SLE patients typically experience long periods of remission between occasional flare-ups. Individuals may experience rashes, arthritis-like joint pain, fatigue, fever or other symptoms. Possible complications include kidney damage, osteoporosis, pregnancy difficulties or stroke.

The cause of SLE is unknown. Heredity and the influence of hormones may predispose a person to lupus, which may be set off by environmental triggers such as viruses or silica dust. Diagnosis is difficult and may take years because the disease can be mistaken for many other conditions and cannot be detected with any single test. A butterfly-shaped rash on the face is a common sign of lupus.

Drug-induced lupus can be resolved by discontinuing the medication, but there is no known cure for other types of lupus. However, most patients are able to manage the disease and live long, productive lives. Treatments include medications such as aspirin and corticosteroids. Exercise, stress management, relaxation techniques and rest help patients cope with flare-ups.

Ninety percent of lupus patients are women, according to the U.S. National Institutes of Health. The disease usually develops between ages 15 and 45 and is more common in blacks, Asians, Hispanics and American Indians than in whites.