Lupus Awareness Month

What is Lupus?

Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks healthy tissues.

Lupus commonly affects your:

• Joints
• Skin
• Internal organs, such as kidneys and heart

Types of lupus:

• Neonatal lupus: rare condition that affects infants of women who have lupus
• Drug-induced lupus: lupus-like disease caused by certain prescription drugs
• Cutaneous lupus: a form of lupus that is limited to the skin
• Systemic lupus erythematosus: most common form of lupus

What causes lupus?

There is no known cause for lupus; however, it is an autoimmune disease that can run in the family. It is important to note that lupus is not contagious!

What are the symptoms of lupus?

• Extreme fatigue
• Joint pain
• Butterfly rash

When is Lupus Awareness Month?

May is Lupus Awareness Month.

What is Lupus Awareness Month?

Lupus Awareness Month is an opportunity for the lupus community to join together across the country to raise funds and awareness of the physical, emotions, and economic impact of lupus.

Is there a symbol for lupus?

Lupus is symbolized by the purple butterfly.

If you or anyone you know may be in need of someone to talk to and live in the Chicagoland area, feel free to call Olive Branch Counseling Associates at (708) 633-8000 and speak to a professional.

Yadira, Graduate Intern

References

Federation, W. L. (2021, April 07). World Lupus Day. Retrieved from

            https://worldlupusday.org/#:~:text=This year for World Lupus,of this debilitating

            autoimmune disease.

Image

Lupus Awareness Month: Being visible for an invisible disease. (2018, May 01). Retrieved from

https://www.acc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/1510477/lupus-awareness-month-

            being-visible-for-an-invisible-disease/