Lupus

Also known as: system lupus erythematosus, SLE.

What is lupus?

Lupus is a disease that can impact many different parts of the body, including the skin, joints, lungs, heart, blood vessels, kidneys and more. It’s an autoimmune disorder, which means the immune system mistakenly attacks parts of the body, thinking they are foreign.


What causes lupus in children?

The cause of Lupus is still unknown. Some combination of genetic and environmental factors play a role in the development of Lupus. These factors trigger our immune system to attacks body organs or tissues. Why this occurs in some people and not in others, however, isn’t clear.


What are the symptoms of lupus?

There can be a variety of lupus symptoms in children, including:

  • Joint pain
  • Rashes
  • Fever
  • Chest pain
  • Sun sensitivity
  • Leg and eye swelling
  • Fatigue
  • Swollen glands
Pediatric lupus can sometimes be difficult to diagnose, as the symptoms can mimic those of other medical conditions.


What are lupus treatment options?

There is currently no cure for Lupus but there are medications to make symptoms get better and for patients to be able to do well. Lifestyle changes such as the use of sunscreen, stress reduction, a well-balanced diet and immediate treatment of infections can also help with the symptoms of lupus.


Reviewed by: Yonit Sterba Rakovchik, MD

This page was last updated on: April 04, 2019 01:37 PM