Lupus Awareness Month
Did you know that May is Lupus Awareness Month? Lupus is a chronic auto-immune disease that can damage any organ in the body. Getting an early diagnosis of lupus is critical to preventing long-term consequences of the disease. The earlier lupus is diagnosed, the better. Early diagnosis improves quality of life and saves lives, so it’s important to know the signs which include:
- painful or swollen joints
- sores in the mouth or on the skin that do not heal
- fever greater than 100 degrees for several days
- rashes, especially across the nose and cheeks
- sensitivity to the sun that may cause a skin rash to appear or get worse
- fatigue or weakness that last for days or weeks and is not relieved by rest
- sudden, unexplained hair loss
- muscle weakness
- trouble thinking or focusing
If you or someone you know displays these signs, they should see a Rheumatologist about their symptoms. NACDD collaborates with the American College of Rheumatology to promote lupus awareness and education through the ACR’s Lupus Initiative. ACR’s Lupus Initiative provides complimentary educational resources to healthcare providers, people living with lupus, and individuals interested in learning more about the disease.
Visit www.lupusinitiative.org to learn more about Lupus, find care management tools, or to complete complementary continuing educational courses.