Lupus

Lupus

The Lupus Foundation of America estimates that 1.5 million Americans, and at least five million people worldwide, have a form of lupus. Lupus strikes mostly women of childbearing age. However, men, children, and teenagers develop lupus, too.

Ninety percent (90%) of people living with lupus are women. Most people with lupus develop the disease between the ages of 15-44.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is the most common type of lupus. An estimated 204,000 people have SLE in the United States, according to the most recent data available (184,000 females and 20,000 males).

People with lupus can experience significant symptoms, such as pain, extreme fatigue, hair loss, cognitive issues, and physical impairments that affect every facet of their lives. Many suffer from cardiovascular disease, strokes, disfiguring rashes, and painful joints. For others, there may be no visible symptoms.

Source of information: www.lupus.org.