• Exact cause is not known, but it is believed that the following can cause the disease.
• Genetics
• Family history of close relative with lupus
• Environmental Factors:
• Exposure to ultra violet rays
• Viruses
• Medications or certain drugs
• Emotional stress
• Trauma
• Hormones
• Females are more commonly affected than men
• Women during pregnancy are high risk of developing this condition
• It is believed that estrogen, a sex hormone may play a role
• The risk factors include:
• Age: people between age of 15 - 45 years are more prone to develop lupus
• Sex: Women are at higher risk to develop lupus

If untreated, after a prolonged period it may lead to

• Blood clots and inflammation of blood vessels or vasculitis
• Inflammation of the heart, or pericarditis
• Heart attack
• Stroke
• Memory changes
• Behavioral changes
• Seizures
• Inflammation of lung tissue and the lining of the lung, or pleuritis
• Kidney inflammation
• Decreased kidney function
• Kidney failure

The main focus of the treament is to reduce and manage symptoms. Medications are given to control the symptoms.

Medication

Anti-inflammatory drugs: Given as oral medications, ointments, or intravenous injections.

Ibuprofen . Naproxen . Diclofenac

Steroid cream: Reduces the rashes.

Triamcinolone . Fluocinolone

Immuno suppressants: Reduces the rashes. Usually given in severe cases.

Azathioprine . Methotrexate . Mycophenolate