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Understanding Lupus

Learn how to spot lupus and the resources available for support.

What Is Lupus?

Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease, which means your immune system—designed to protect you—gets confused and starts attacking healthy tissues instead.

It can affect your skin, joints, kidneys, brain, heart, and more.

While anyone can develop lupus, it most often affects:

  • Women between ages 15–44
  • Black, Hispanic, Asian, and Native American women—at rates 2 to 3 times higher than white women1

Lupus can be difficult to diagnose because it mimics other conditions. That’s why awareness is critical.

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Find More Lupus Resources
Side-by-side image of Racquel Dozier, lupus warrior and founder of Lupus in Color.
Immune Related Conditions

I Have Lupus and Summer is My Hardest Season, Here’s How I Survive it

Read More
A Black woman with lupus wearing a pink headwrap and a white t-shirt sits in bed, sharing a tender moment with her two young children. Her daughter, in a white shirt with blue hair clips, kisses her cheek while her son leans in close for a hug.
Immune Related Conditions

Is it a Lupus Flare or Stress? Tracking Your Triggers

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Immune Related Conditions

Lupus 101

Read More
Close-up of young Black woman with an afro, wearing yellow gloves, and cleaning her shelf with a spray that contains forever chemicals (PFAS)
Cancer Support & Awareness

An Increase in “Forever Chemicals” is Linked to These Health Conditions

Read More
Black woman in a patient room holding her neck and explaining her symptoms to a South asian doctor
Cancer Support & Awareness

You May Prevent a Health Misdiagnosis With These Tips

Read More
Close-up of a tired elderly Black man sitting on the edge of his bed, resting his chin on his hands
Cancer Support & Awareness

Is Your Fatigue Actually a Hidden Sign of Chronic Illness?

Read More

Symptoms of
Lupus

Lupus symptoms can range from mild to severe and often come in “flares” followed by periods of improvement. Common symptoms include:

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FATIGUE

  • Extreme tiredness that doesn’t improve with rest

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JOINT PAIN AND SWELLING

  • Especially in the fingers, wrists, or knees
  • Often worse in the morning

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SKIN RASHES

  • Including the classic “butterfly rash” over the cheeks and nose

FATIGUE

  • Extreme tiredness that doesn’t improve with rest

JOINT PAIN AND SWELLING

  • Especially in the fingers, wrists, or knees
  • Often worse in the morning

SKIN RASHES

  • Including the classic “butterfly rash” over the cheeks and nose

Want more information about this condition?

Because lupus symptoms vary, early detection and routine monitoring are essential.

Read: The Invisible Challenges of an Autoimmune Condition

Risk Factors
for Lupus

Here are a few factors that might put you at risk for lupus:

Read: How Lupus Affects Pregnancy in Black Women
  • Gender: 9 out of 10 people with lupus are women
  • Race/Ethnicity: Lupus is more common—and often more severe—among Black, Hispanic, Asian, and Native American people
  • Age: Typically develops between ages 15 and 44
  • Family History: Having a close relative with lupus or another autoimmune disease increases your risk
  • Stress Levels: High stress can trigger lupus flares
  • Infections: Illnesses like Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) have been linked to lupus
  • Hormones: Estrogen may play a role—explaining higher rates among women
  • Environmental Triggers: Sun exposure, certain medications, and smoking can all activate symptoms
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Treating and Managing Lupus

Here are a few ways to treat and manage lupus:

Article: 5 Ways to Prevent CKD
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Medications

  • Anti-inflammatory meds: For pain and swelling
  • Immunosuppressants: To calm the immune system
  • Antimalarial drugs: Such as hydroxychloroquine, often used for skin and joint symptoms
  • Steroids: For managing more severe symptoms or flares
Learn More
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Lifestyle Support

  • Protect Your Skin: Wear sunscreen daily and avoid peak sun
  • Rest & Recharge: Plan your day around rest to manage fatigue
  • Track Symptoms: Keeping a journal can help identify triggers
  • Lean on Support: A lupus diagnosis can be isolating—build your circle
Learn More
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Nutrition

  • Eat Anti-inflammatory Foods: Fruits, veggies, omega-3s, and whole grains
Learn More

Treating and Managing Lupus

Here are a few ways to treat and manage Lupus:

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Medications

Common types of blood pressure medications include:

  • Diuretics (“water pills”): Help your body get rid of extra salt and water
  • ACE inhibitors & ARBs: Help relax your blood vessels
  • Calcium channel blockers: Help slow your heartbeat and ease vessel tension
  • Beta blockers: Reduce your heart rate and how hard it works
Learn More
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Everyday Strategies

  • Reduce Salt: Aim for less than 1,500 mg per day
  • Manage Stress: Therapy, prayer, breathing exercises, joy
Learn More
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Lifestyle Support

  • Eat Smart: Whole foods, fruits, veggies, low-fat dairy, whole grains
  • Move More: 30 minutes of activity most days
Learn More
shutterstock 2078575474 1 scaled 1

Medications

  • Anti-inflammatory meds: For pain and swelling
  • Immunosuppressants: To calm the immune system
  • Antimalarial drugs: Such as hydroxychloroquine, often used for skin and joint symptoms
  • Steroids: For managing more severe symptoms or flares
Learn More
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Lifestyle Support

  • Protect Your Skin: Wear sunscreen daily and avoid peak sun
  • Rest & Recharge: Plan your day around rest to manage fatigue
  • Track Symptoms: Keeping a journal can help identify triggers
  • Lean on Support: A lupus diagnosis can be isolating—build your circle
Learn More
shutterstock 2470596595 1 1

Nutrition

  • Eat Anti-inflammatory Foods: Fruits, veggies, omega-3s, and whole grains
Learn More

Recent NOWINCLUDED Activations

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Black on The Block in Dallas

We recently attended the Black on The Block event in Dallas to connect with the community, raise awareness of lupus, and hear your health stories!

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1,200

Attendees

122

Insights Shared

27

Health Stories Collected

Attend an Event Like This One
  • watch the recap
Group
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Resources for Lupus

There’s no cure for lupus (yet), but many people live full lives with the right support. Explore the resources below.

Hear From Community Members

Real stories from people living with lupus and how they find hope and strength every day.

Find a Lupus-Friendly Meal Plan

Explore anti-inflammatory recipes that nourish your body and protect your joints.

Join a Support Circle

Get connected to other warriors through virtual lupus communities.

Resources for Lupus

There’s no cure for lupus (yet), but many people live full lives with the right support. Explore the resources below.

Hear from Community Members

Real stories from people living with Lupus—and how they find hope and strength every day.

Find a Lupus-Friendly Meal Plan

Explore anti-inflammatory recipes that nourish your body and protect your joints.

Join a Support Circle

Get connected to other warriors through virtual lupus communities.

  • References & Citations

1. CDC. 2024, May 15

Lupus Basics. Retrieved from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

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