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Understanding Lupus

Lupus is a cruel mystery we must all solve together

Lupus is an unpredictable and misunderstood autoimmune disease. It is difficult to diagnose, hard to live with, and a challenge to treat. Lupus has a range of symptoms, and strikes without warning. Start here for resources to better understand lupus.

Lupus is a complicated disease that affects different people in different ways. For some, lupus can be mild — for others, it can be life threatening.

Right now, there’s no cure for lupus. The good news is that with the support of your doctors and loved ones, you can learn to manage it.

An estimated 1.5 million people in the United States are living with lupus.

Start by learning as much as you can about lupus.

Lupus is a long-term disease that can cause pain and inflammation in any part of the body.

Learn more about lupus

Lupus can cause a lot of different symptoms that may come and go over time.

Learn more about lupus symptoms

Unfortunately, there is no one specific diagnostic test for lupus. But if your doctor thinks you might have the disease, they’ll ask you questions about your symptoms and they may run a few laboratory tests, including the antinuclear antibody (ANA) test.

Learn more about diagnosing lupus

If you have lupus, you and your doctors can work together to find the right treatment plan for you.

Learn more about treating lupus

Living with lupus can be hard, but there’s a lot you can do to manage your symptoms and make your daily life easier.

Learn ways to feel better

At the Lupus Foundation of America, we support researchers who are working to cure lupus and find better treatments for lupus symptoms.

Donate now to help find a cure
Play Video
“We can work towards finding a cure”

Maurissa Tancharoen Whedon has been living with lupus since age 15. Watch this video to hear her story and learn why it’s so important to support lupus research.

Stay in touch

Sign up for email updates from the Lupus Foundation of America, including:

  • News about lupus research
  • Links to helpful resources for people with lupus and their loved ones
  • Opportunities to get involved and help raise awareness about lupus