What is lupus?

Autoimmune disease: The immune system causes inflammation in skin (often red cheeks after sun exposure), and/or joints, and sometimes organs like kidney, muscle, liver, blood vessels, brain. Treated with plaquenil, (hydroxychloroquine) antiinflammatories, other meds, and healthy habits like vaccines to prevent infections and exercise to stay fit.

Autoimmune disease: This disease can affect virtually off organs of the body at any time in its active course. It is characterized usually by a classic butterfly rash on the face and predisposes some patients to clots in the legs to mood problems. It is very complex and a combination of blood work and multiple doctor visits are usually required to make the diagnosis.