World Lupus Day
World Lupus Day is observed every year on May 10 to raise awareness and educate people about the effects of Lupus, improve patient care, and support research for a cure.
Lupus is not just a disease, it is a daily battle for thousands and this day shines a light on this chronic autoimmune condition.
Irrespective of its severity, lupus is deeply misunderstood and can take years to be diagnosed due to its unpredictable symptoms.
World Lupus Day was established in 2004 by the Lupus Foundation of America during the 7th International Congress on Lupus and Related Diseases in New York City.
What is Lupus
Lupus is an autoimmune disease where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own tissues that cause inflammation and damage to different organs.
It can affect the skin, joints, kidneys, heart, lungs, brain, and blood cells.
Symptoms differ from person to person but also include fatigue, joint pain, skin rashes that are butterfly shaped on the face, swelling, fever, sensitivity to sunlight, chest pain, hair loss, and kidney problems.
The exact cause of lupus is not found, but studies show that it could be a mix of genetics, hormones, and the environment.
Lupus majorly affects women mostly from African, Asian, Native American, and Hispanic backgrounds and is often diagnosed from the ages of 15 to 45.
Lupus can be of different types:
- Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is the most serious and common type, affecting multiple organs.
- Cutaneous lupus affects the skin and can cause rashes.
- Drug-induced lupus is caused by certain medications but usually goes away when the drug is stopped.
- Neonatal lupus is a rare type that affects newborns when lupus-related antibodies pass from the mother to the baby.
While there is currently no cure for lupus, treatments help in managing symptoms and the pain with pain relievers, drugs that calm the immune system, and steroids.
The History of Lupus
The history of lupus can be divided into three main stages: classical, neoclassical, and modern.
Over time, researchers, and doctors made important discoveries that improved the understanding and diagnosis of the disease.
Lupus was first recognized as an autoimmune disease in 1851. Before that, doctors mainly described the skin symptoms, as they did not fully understand its effects on the body.
As medical knowledge grew, new ways to diagnose and treat lupus were developed.
Today, doctors have several tools to detect lupus early and offer better treatments, greatly improving the life expectancy of those living with the disease.
How to Support World Lupus Day
You can support World Lupus Day by sharing information and breaking myths about lupus across social media profiles with the hashtags #WorldLupusDay.
Purple is the official color of lupus awareness and adding purple to your outfit is a meaningful way to express your solidarity with victims.
Donations to lupus research organizations can make a significant impact by funding studies that aim to improve treatments and find a cure.
Many advocacy groups also host events such as walks, fundraisers, and educational webinars, providing opportunities to get involved and support the cause.
By actively participating in World Lupus Day, we can help create a future where lupus is better understood, diagnosed earlier, and more effectively treated, ultimately improving the lives of those affected by this chronic illness.
