Understanding lupus
Information for wherever you are
Understanding lupus
Looking for answers, adjusting to a diagnosis or supporting someone you care about? Start with what feels useful today.
Start where you are
What would help you today?
You don’t need to work everything out at once. Choose the information that matters to you right now.
I’m worried about symptoms
Explore common lupus symptoms and organise the questions you want to discuss with your GP.
I’m seeking a diagnosis
Understand the tests, why answers can take time and what to ask at your next appointment.
I’ve recently been diagnosed
A gentle starting point for understanding your diagnosis, your care and what happens next.
I’m living with lupus
Find practical information for fatigue, work, wellbeing and everyday life.
Supporting someone else? Read our caring guide →
What is lupus?
Lupus is a long-term autoimmune condition. This means the immune system can attack healthy tissues, causing inflammation in different parts of the body. Every person’s experience is different.
Lupus is not contagious.
Symptoms can vary and may flare up or settle down.
Treatment can help manage lupus. There is no cure at present.
Practical help for everyday life
Explore the topics that are most relevant to you today.
Symptoms and energy
Your everyday routines
Looking for a specific topic?
You don’t have to navigate this alone.
The Hibbs Lupus Trust is here for people affected by lupus, including family and friends. Contact us for general information or to ask about support.
About this information
This information is for general guidance and does not replace advice from your healthcare team. Your own care plan takes priority. Our contact form is not an urgent medical service.
Information updated: September 2026
Sources used for this page
- NHS — Lupus (opens in new tab)
General NHS information about lupus, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment. - British Society for Rheumatology — SLE guideline 2026 (opens in new tab)
UK specialist guideline covering the assessment, monitoring and management of systemic lupus erythematosus.
Worried about symptoms?
Fatigue, joint pain or skin changes can have many causes. If symptoms persist or keep returning, speak to your GP.
Explore common symptoms and use the information to help organise your questions.
Seeking a diagnosis?
Lupus is assessed using symptoms, medical history and test results together. There is no single test that gives the whole answer.
Understand why diagnosis can take time and what the tests in your care pathway may be used for.
Newly diagnosed with lupus?
A lupus diagnosis can leave you with a lot of questions. We’ve brought together the information that can help you understand what happens next, prepare for appointments and find practical support.
Living with lupus
Treatment is tailored to the person and the parts of the body affected. Learn about treatment options and what to discuss with your care team.
You can also browse answers to common questions about everyday life with lupus.
Pregnancy and family planning
If you are planning a pregnancy, speak with your lupus care team beforehand so your health and medicines can be reviewed.
Explore the questions to raise before pregnancy, during antenatal care and after your baby is born.
Explore specific topics
You do not have to navigate this alone
The Hibbs Lupus Trust is here for people affected by lupus, including family and friends. Contact us for general information or to ask about support.
About this information
This information is for general guidance and does not replace advice from your healthcare team. Your own care plan takes priority. Our contact form is not an urgent medical service.
Information updated: September 2026
Sources used for this page
- NHS — Lupus
General NHS information about lupus, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment. - British Society for Rheumatology — SLE guideline 2026
UK specialist guideline covering the assessment, monitoring and management of systemic lupus erythematosus.