*Welcome to the OutUK series looking at gay men and their health brought to you in association with the NHS* website.**
	Each week we'll tackle a different topic in our A to Z of Gay Health. We'll have features and advice on everything from relationships, sexual health, mental and physical conditions and how to stay fit. You can follow any of links provided below for more information direct from the NHS website, or see this week's feature O: Orthodontics.

Lupus

Lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus) is a long-term condition that causes joint pain, skin rashes and tiredness. There's no cure, but symptoms can improve if treatment starts early.

Check if you have lupus

There are lots of possible symptoms of lupus.

The main symptoms include:

joint and muscle pain
extreme tiredness that will not go away no matter how much you rest
rashes that usually come on after being in the sun - the rash is often over the nose and cheeks

You might also have:

headaches
mouth ulcers
a high temperature
hair loss
weight loss
swollen glands, usually in the neck, armpits or groin
depression and anxiety
chest or tummy pain
changes in the colour of your fingers and toes when you're cold, anxious or stressed (Raynaud's)

Symptom flare-ups

Lupus often flares up (relapses) and symptoms become worse for a few weeks, sometimes longer.

Symptoms then settle down (remission). The reason why symptoms flare up or settle down is not known.

Some people do not notice any difference and their symptoms are constant.

See a GP if:

you often get symptoms of lupus

Lupus is better managed if it's found and treated early.

Tests for lupus

Lupus is not always easy to diagnose because the symptoms can be similar to other conditions.

A GP will usually do some blood tests. They may diagnose lupus if the tests show you have high levels of a certain type of antibody, and you also have the typical symptoms of lupus.

You might be referred for X-rays and scans of your heart, kidneys and other organs if the doctor thinks they might be affected.

If lupus is confirmed, you'll be advised to have regular checks and tests, such as blood tests to check for anaemia and urine tests to check for kidney problems.

Treatment for lupus

Treatment you may have for lupus includes:

anti-inflammatory medicines like ibuprofen
hydroxychloroquine for fatigue and skin and joint problems
steroid tablets, injections and creams for kidney inflammation and rashes

Immunosuppressant or biological medicines are sometimes used to treat severe lupus. They help to calm or control your body's immune system.

Find out more about lupus and how it's treated on the Versus Arthritis website

Things you can do if you have lupus

Although medicines are important in controlling lupus, you can help manage your symptoms and reduce the risk of it getting worse.

Do

use high-factor (at least factor 50) sunscreen and wear a hat in the sun - you can get sunscreen on prescription if you have lupus
learn to pace yourself to avoid getting too tired
try to stay active, even on a bad day
try relaxation techniques to manage stress - stress can make symptoms worse
tell your employer about your condition - you might be able to adjust your working pattern
ask for help from family, friends and health professionals
eat a healthy, balanced diet, including vitamin D and calcium

Don't

do not smoke - smoking makes lupus worse so it's important to stop smoking
do not sit in direct sunlight or spend a lot of time in rooms with fluorescent lights

Help and support

Lupus UK: information, advice and support

Causes of lupus

Lupus is an autoimmune condition. This means the body's natural defence system (immune system) attacks healthy parts of your body.

It's not contagious.

The causes of lupus are not fully understood. Possible causes include:

viral infection
certain medicines
sunlight
puberty
childbirth
menopause

More women than men get lupus, and it's more common in women with an African, Caribbean, Asian or Chinese background.

Lupus in pregnancy

Lupus can cause complications in pregnancy.

See a doctor before trying to get pregnant. They can discuss the risks and check if your medicine needs to be changed.

OutUK's A to Z of Gay Health continues and you can read this week's feature O: Orthodontics. We have covered many subjects in this series and you can catch up with all of our Previous A to Z Features. If you want to find out more about this particular topic you can visit the Original article on the NHS website. If you are worried by any aspect of your health make sure you go and see your doctor or book an appointment at your local clinic.
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