For Children, Teens and Young Adults

Lupus occurs most frequently among women between the ages of 15 and 45. However, lupus can occur in either gender at any age.

Neonatal Lupus

Neonatal lupus is a rare condition acquired from the passage of maternal autoantibodies, specifically anti-Ro/SSA or anti-La/SSB, which can affect the skin, heart and blood of the fetus and newborn. It is associated with a rash that appears within the first several weeks of life and may persist for about six months before disappearing. Congenital heart block is much less common than the skin rash. Neonatal lupus is not SLE.

Childhood Lupus

Between 5,000 and 10,000 children in the United States are believed to have lupus. Caring for a child with lupus is one of the greatest challenges a family can face. After the diagnosis is made, the first step for every parent is to learn as much as possible about the disease and the special needs of a child with lupus. Parents need to educate the child with lupus and their other children plus their child's teachers, and family friends.

Additional Information
Childhood Lupus
Lupus Headaches in Children
El Lupus en la Niñez
Impact of Lupus on Young People
Children and Atherosclerosis
Osteoporosis in Juvenile Rheumatic Diseases
Kids Speak Out about Lupus
Early Diagnosis of Lupus in Childhood
Lupus Nephritis in Children