Lupus (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus). As mentioned in Wikipedia,
Lupus is a chronic autoimmune connective tissue disease that can
affect any part of the body. As occurs in other autoimmune diseases,
the immune system attacks the body's cells and tissue, resulting in
inflammation and tissue damage. There are several causes of Lupus,
they are: Genetics, Environmental Triggers, and Drugs Reaction.
Common symptoms of Lupus as mentioned in Medicinenet.com are:
fatigue, low-grade fever, loss of appetite, muscle aches, arthritis,
ulcers of the mouth and nose, facial rash ("butterfly rash"), unusual
sensitivity to sunlight (photosensitivity), inflammation of the
lining that surrounds the lungs (pleuritis) and the heart
(pericarditis), and poor circulation to the fingers and toes with
cold exposure (Raynaud's phenomenon).
Moreover, over half of the patients with SLE develop a characteristic
red, flat facial rash over the bridge of their nose. Because of its
shape, it is frequently referred to as the "butterfly rash" of SLE.
The rash is painless and does not itch. The facial rash, along with
inflammation in other organs, can be precipitated or worsened by
exposure to sunlight, a condition called photosensitivity. This
photosensitivity can be accompanied by worsening of inflammation
throughout the body, called a "flare" of the disease.
Further, in worldwide there are some organizations that concern to
this dangerous disease, in Indonesia we have Yayasan Lupus Indonesia.
YLI head office in Jakarta and if you need deep information about
Lupus you can dial to 62-21-68386897.
Lupus World Day is on May 10th.
Source: Wikipedia, Medicinenet.com and Yayasan Lupus Indonesia