Understanding lupus
What is lupus?
Lupus is an autoimmune condition: the immune system attacks healthy tissue and causes inflammation. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) can affect different parts of the body. Cutaneous lupus mainly affects the skin, and some people have both.
Can you catch lupus from someone?
No. Lupus is not an infection and does not spread from person to person.
Who can develop lupus?
Anyone can develop lupus, including men and children. It is more common in women and in people of African, Caribbean or Asian ancestry. Your age, sex or background alone cannot confirm or rule out lupus.
Is there a cure?
There is no cure at present, but treatment can control inflammation and symptoms and help protect organs. Lupus varies greatly: some people have periods when it is quieter, while others have ongoing symptoms.
Symptoms and diagnosis
What symptoms should I look out for?
Common symptoms include persistent fatigue, joint or muscle pain and rashes, sometimes after sun exposure. Other symptoms are possible. A symptom checklist cannot diagnose lupus, because many symptoms have other causes.
Is there one test that proves I have lupus?
No single test gives the whole answer. A doctor considers your symptoms, examination, medical history and test results together. A positive ANA blood test does not automatically mean lupus; it can occur in other conditions and in people without illness.
What should I do while waiting for a diagnosis?
Keep a brief record of symptoms, when they happen and how they affect daily life. Photographs of a changing rash can help. Take your questions and medicine list to appointments, and ask what happens next. Tell your GP if symptoms change or worsen rather than waiting silently for a referral.
Our rheumatology appointment checklist can help you get everything together before your appointment.
Treatment and daily life
How is lupus treated?
Treatment is tailored to the parts of your body affected and how active lupus is. It may include hydroxychloroquine, steroids or medicines that reduce immune-system activity. Regular monitoring helps your team check disease activity and treatment safety.
Can I stop my medicines when I feel better?
Feeling better may mean treatment is working. Do not stop or change prescribed medicines without advice from your clinician. If you have side effects or concerns, ask for a review rather than managing them alone.
What can help with fatigue and daily activities?
Try pacing activities, allowing time to rest and asking for practical help. Explain to family, friends or colleagues that what you can manage may change from day to day. Tell your healthcare team about fatigue that is new, worsening or limiting your life.
Can food or exercise cure lupus?
No diet or exercise programme cures lupus. A balanced diet and activity suited to your health can support wellbeing. What feels manageable may change during a flare. Ask your team for individual advice, especially before major diet changes or starting unfamiliar exercise.
Why does sun protection matter?
Sun exposure can trigger symptoms for some people with lupus. Use SPF 50 or higher sunscreen, protective clothing and shade. Ask your team about protection that suits your skin and daily routine.
Pregnancy and family
Can I have a healthy pregnancy with lupus?
Many people with lupus have successful pregnancies. Speak to your lupus team before trying to conceive so they can review disease control, medicines and pregnancy care. If you are already pregnant, contact your team promptly for individual advice.
Will my children develop lupus?
Lupus is not passed down in a simple, predictable way. Genes can influence risk, but a parent having lupus does not mean their child will develop it. Discuss personal concerns with your clinician.
Getting medical help
How do I know whether symptoms are a flare?
A flare is a period when lupus becomes more active. Symptoms can resemble an infection or another problem, so do not assume every new symptom is lupus. Follow any agreed flare plan and contact your lupus team or GP when symptoms change.
When should I seek urgent advice?
Get urgent help through your GP or NHS 111 if you are more short of breath than usual, cough up blood or develop pain and swelling in one leg. Follow any urgent instructions your own team has given you. In pregnancy, contact maternity services for pregnancy-related concerns.
When should I call 999?
Call 999 for severe breathing difficulty, sudden confusion, or sudden chest pain that does not go away. Chest pain with sweating, sickness, light-headedness or breathlessness also needs emergency help. Do not assume these symptoms are a lupus flare or drive yourself to hospital.
These are examples, not a complete list. If you are unsure how urgently you need help, contact NHS 111.
Support and getting involved
How can The Hibbs Lupus Trust help?
Our guides can help you understand lupus and prepare questions for appointments. Contact us to ask about support and ways to connect with others affected by lupus. We cannot diagnose lupus, advise on individual medicines or provide emergency care.
How can I support your work?
You can make a donation or get in touch about fundraising and getting involved. You do not need to donate to use our information or contact us.
About these answers
This is general information, not a diagnosis or personalised treatment advice. Your GP and specialist team should guide decisions about your care.
Information updated: 2 September 2026.
Sources used for this page
- NHS — Lupus
General NHS information about lupus, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, self-management and pregnancy. - British Society for Rheumatology — SLE guideline 2026
UK specialist guidance covering assessment, treatment, monitoring and long-term management of systemic lupus erythematosus.