Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (Lupus)
Lupus can look like many things: unexplained tiredness, joint pains, a rash that flares in the sun, hair thinning, mouth ulcers, or a kidney test that suddenly turns abnormal. It takes a careful specialist to piece the story together. My job is to make the diagnosis clearly, protect your organs, and help you live well with lupus.
What systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus) is
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), often just called lupus, is an autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks the body's own tissues. It can affect the joints, skin, hair, mouth, kidneys, blood, lungs, heart and nervous system. Lupus most often affects women of reproductive age, and can behave very differently from one person to the next.
Symptoms to look out for
Deep, disabling fatigue that is out of proportion to activity
Joint pain, stiffness or swelling, often in the small joints of the hands
A butterfly-shaped rash across the cheeks and nose, or a rash that flares after sun exposure
Painless mouth or nose ulcers
Hair thinning or hair loss
Fingers that turn white or blue in the cold (Raynaud's phenomenon)
Unexplained fevers, chest pain on deep breathing, or foamy urine
Why this matters to a rheumatologist
As a rheumatologist, I approach lupus with two goals: confirming the diagnosis using history, examination and specific tests (ANA, anti-dsDNA, complement levels, urine tests, and more), and then protecting the organs most at risk in you. Lupus is very individual. Some patients mainly have joint and skin symptoms, others have kidney or blood involvement. The treatment plan reflects that.
Signs I would like you to seek care for
For emergency symptoms please seek urgent or emergency care first rather than waiting for a WhatsApp reply.
New chest pain, shortness of breath, or coughing up blood
Foamy urine, swelling around the eyes or ankles
Severe headache, confusion, seizures or weakness on one side
Very high fever, especially if on immunosuppression
A sudden flare of skin rash, joint pain and fatigue
Planning a pregnancy, which needs a pre-pregnancy review
What a specialist review looks like
In clinic I take a full history and examination, order the right blood and urine tests, and involve other specialists where needed. If I confirm lupus I explain it in plain language and discuss treatment. Most patients are on hydroxychloroquine, which protects the skin, joints and long term outcomes. Depending on how lupus is behaving, we may add steroids, immunosuppressants such as azathioprine or mycophenolate, or biologic therapy. I monitor you long term to catch flares early.
Questions my patients often ask me
Speak with me
If you have unexplained joint pain, rashes, hair loss or fatigue, especially with a family history of autoimmune disease, please seek specialist care. I would like to look carefully and help you understand what is happening.
Other conditions I treat
This page is for general education only and does not replace medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment.