Understanding Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE or Lupus)
What is Lupus?
Systemic lupus erythematosus (called SLE or lupus) is an autoimmune disease that causes your body’s immune system to attack its own cells and tissues. It causes episodes of inflammation (swelling and pain) to different parts of the body. It can affect your joints, tendons, skin, and blood vessels. It also can cause rashes, fatigue, pain, and fever. The heart, lungs, kidneys, and brain are the organs most affected. Lupus is a chronic disease that can affect anyone, but Black women are more likely to develop SLE. In fact, Black women have the highest rate of SLE compared to White women, Hispanic women and women of other races and ethnicities.
Why are Black Women More Likely to Develop Lupus?
The reasons are not clear, but scientists believe that genes, hormones, and things in the environment around us could contribute to the development of lupus.
Know the Signs and Symptoms
It is important to know the signs and symptoms of lupus, such as fatigue, joint pain, skin rashes, and fever because it can be hard to diagnose. If you start having a lot of these symptoms and think you may have lupus, reach out to your healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment. Living with lupus can be difficult. However, there are ways to manage the symptoms and make living with it easier — like taking certain medications, following a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables, getting regular exercise, avoiding smoking, using sun protection, and getting enough rest.
By increasing awareness about lupus and its impact on Black women, we can be empowered to take control of our health and seek needed support. To learn more, visit the Living Well Black Health Library here. Stay informed, be proactive, and remember that health knowledge is a superpower!
Sources:
Living Well Black. (2023). Lupus. https://livingwellblack.staywellhealthlibrary.com/Search/85,P00058.
Lupus Foundation of America. (2013). African Americans and Lupus. https://www.lupus.org/s3fs-public/Doc%20-%20PDF/Ohio/African%20Americans%20and%20Lupus.pdf.
Williams, A., Grantz, K., Seeni, I., Robledo, C., Li, S., Ouidir, M., et al. (2019). Obstetric and neonatal complications among women with autoimmune disease. Journal of autoimmunity, 103, 102287.