Understanding SLE
There are several types of lupus, with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) being the most common. SLE is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system produces antibodies and attacks healthy tissue within the body leading to widespread inflammation and tissue damage. The cause of SLE is not known but it may develop in response to a combination of factors both inside and outside the body, including hormones, genetics, and environment. Anyone can develop SLE, but some people are at higher risk, including women ages 15 to 44, certain racial or ethnic groups (Black or African American people, Hispanic/Latino people, American Indian/Alaska Native people, and Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders), and people who have a family member with SLE or other autoimmune diseases.
Symptoms of SLE
Symptoms of SLE can differ from person to person and may change over time. Since SLE shares symptoms with other conditions, it can be challenging to diagnose. The most common symptoms of lupus include:
- Butterfly-shaped rash across cheeks and nose, which can worsen with sun exposure
- Painful or swollen joints
- Swelling in feet and around the eyes
- Extreme fatigue (tiredness)
- Low fevers
Diagnosis of SLE
A healthcare provider will review current symptoms, medical history, and family history of SLE or other autoimmune diseases. While no single test can diagnose SLE, tests can help with diagnosis and include blood tests (complete blood count or CBC, antibody tests, blood clotting time tests, and complement tests), urine tests, and tissue biopsies.
Treatment of SLE
Treating SLE is important because it can affect various parts of the body, leading to a wide range of complications. Some of the more serious ones are due to inflammation of the blood vessels in the brain (high fevers, seizures, changes in behavior), hardening of the arteries (heart attack), and inflammation of the skin (rashes, sores, and ulcers).
While there’s no cure for SLE right now, treatment can help control symptoms — like joint pain, swelling, and feeling tired, keep the immune system from attacking the body, and protect organs from damage. Common drugs used to treat lupus include:
- Anticoagulants to help prevent blood clots
- Anti-inflammatories to help with inflammation and pain
- Antimalarials to protect skin from rashes and UV light
- Biologics to help the immune system work correctly
- Immunosuppressives to help keep the immune system from attacking the body
- Steroids to help with inflammation
If SLE is not controlled by commonly prescribed medications, the healthcare provider may prescribe immune globulin therapy administered into the blood stream intravenously (IVIG). IVIG can change the body’s immune response by preventing or slowing the abnormal attack on healthy tissue.
Resources:
- Lupus Foundation of America Inc.
- Lupus (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus or SLE) | MedicineNet
- Systemic Lupus Erythematosus | Medline Plus
- Lupus | Mayo Clinic
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Reference:
Last reviewed 12/16/2025
