Every May, we pause to raise awareness about lupus, a chronic autoimmune disease that affects millions—but is still often misunderstood. Lupus Awareness Month is not just a campaign—it's a lifeline of support, education, and hope for those affected and their families.

On May 10, we also observe World Lupus Day, uniting people across the globe to call attention to the physical, emotional, and social burden this disease causes.

What Is Lupus?

Lupus is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system, meant to protect the body, turns against it—attacking healthy tissues and organs. It can cause inflammation in the skin, joints, kidneys, heart, lungs, brain, and blood cells. It often flares unpredictably, and no two cases are exactly alike.

The most common form is systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), but there are also cutaneous lupus (affecting the skin), drug-induced lupus, and neonatal lupus (a rare condition in newborns).

💜 “Lupus is often called a hidden disease because while patients may look well on the outside, they are suffering deeply on the inside.” – Lupus Foundation of America

Who Does Lupus Affect the Most?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Lupus Foundation of America (LFA):

• An estimated 1.5 million Americans have some form of lupus.
• 90% of people with lupus are women, most commonly diagnosed between ages 15 and 44.
• Women of color—especially African American, Hispanic, Asian, and Native American women—are 2 to 3 times more likely to develop lupus than white women.
• Lupus is also more severe and can progress faster in people of color.

Source: CDC, Lupus Foundation of America

The Ripple Effect: Lupus Affects the Whole Family

Lupus isn’t just an individual diagnosis—it’s a family journey. When a loved one is living with lupus:

• Partners and spouses often become caregivers, balancing love with the stress of unpredictability.
• Children may struggle to understand why their parent feels sick or misses important events.
• Family routines change due to hospital visits, medication side effects, or physical limitations.
• The emotional toll—fear, guilt, frustration, and burnout—is very real.

That’s why education, empathy, and emotional support are crucial for the whole family. Support groups and counseling can make a profound difference.

Breakthroughs in Lupus Research

There is real hope on the horizon. The past few years have brought major strides in understanding and treating lupus:

🔬 Recent Research Highlights

• Biomarkers for early detection: Scientists are identifying specific blood markers that may help detect lupus before symptoms appear or flares worsen.
• Genetic studies are revealing how certain genes influence lupus, especially in people of color, helping pave the way for more personalized treatments.
• Researchers are studying the role of the gut microbiome in lupus activity and immune response.

Source: NIH – National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases

New and Emerging Medications

Until recently, treatments were limited to steroids, antimalarials, and immunosuppressants—many with harsh side effects. But now, we’re seeing targeted therapies that offer new hope.

🌟 Recent FDA-Approved Medications:

• Benlysta (belimumab) – The first biologic approved specifically for lupus. Recently approved for lupus nephritis, a serious kidney complication.
• Lupkynis (voclosporin) – Approved in 2021 for lupus nephritis, offering a new option with a more predictable response.
• Saphnelo (anifrolumab) – A newer treatment that targets interferon pathways in moderate to severe lupus.

These treatments mark a turning point in lupus care. They don't cure the disease, but they offer better symptom control and a chance at a more normal life.

Source: FDA.gov, Lupus Research Alliance

How You Can Help

Even if lupus hasn’t touched your life directly, there are ways to show compassion and make a difference:

• Wear purple during May to show support.
• Share resources and stories to raise awareness.
• Donate or volunteer with trusted organizations like the Lupus Foundation of America or the Lupus Research Alliance.
• Most importantly, listen and support loved ones living with this invisible illness.

Final Thoughts

Lupus is a challenging and unpredictable disease, but awareness leads to action, and action brings hope. This May, let’s uplift those living with lupus—and the families who walk beside them—with compassion, understanding, and advocacy.

Because no one should face lupus alone. 💜