WORLD LUPUS DAY

Imagine living a life where sunlight becomes a bother; rashes cover your body, fatigue becomes the order of the day and joint problems always on the core. These are some of the problematic situations that lupus patients go through. Interestingly, very few people know that lupus exists. They only get to learn about the disease when they or someone they know is diagnosed with lupus. World Lupus Day was created to help the public understand this autoimmune disease better. The global Lupus awareness day is observed on 10th May every year. The entire month of May is also recognized as the World Lupus awareness month.

What is Lupus

Lupus is a type of chronic autoimmune disease. Normally, the body’s immune system becomes hyperactive and attacks the body organs and tissues. The inflammation causes damage to various body parts including the heart, skin, joints, kidneys, lungs, brain and blood cells.

What Causes Lupus?

The cause of lupus is not known. However, medical experts state that lupus runs in families and that means it’s hereditary. Sometimes, Lupus can be triggered by extreme stress, exposure to sunlight, smoking and certain types of medicines.

Signs and Symptoms of Lupus

Lupus is easily mistaken for other diseases. In most cases, signs and symptoms of lupus resemble those of other diseases. However, the common symptoms of lupus are:

- Fatigue

- Butterfly-like rashes that cover the cheeks, nose bridge and other parts of the body

- Headaches and memory loss

- Pain and swelling on the joints

- Hair loss on the scalp

- Sensitivity to the sun

- Toes and fingers turning pale or purple from cold

Is Lupus Curable?

There is no cure for lupus. The disease can only be managed through the right treatment. When lupus attacks vital body organs like the kidneys, lungs and the heart, the situation becomes life-threatening. Researchers are however making significant progress in identifying disease prevention strategies.

History of World Lupus Day

Lupus Canada created the World Lupus Day to raise awareness of the little-known disease. The first World Lupus Day was observed in 2014 with over thirteen lupus organizations honoring the event. The Lupus organizations around the world call upon their governments to increase funds for research and get lupus patients better treatment.

Today, World Lupus Day is celebrated in various countries worldwide. Julian Lennon, a musician, and philanthropist is the global ambassador of Lupus Day.

How to Celebrate World Lupus Day

The best way to celebrate lupus day is by spreading awareness about the less known disease. Educate family and friends about the symptoms of lupus and the impact of the disease on millions of people in the world. You can also use the World Lupus Day logo as your social media profile picture. Also, add the hashtags #WorldLupusDay and #LupusAwareness to your social media posts to further help alleviate awareness.

Lupus Organizations in your country could also be organizing local events in your community. Take the initiative to attend the campaigns and rallies since they educate the public about Lupus. Remember to wear purple World Lupus Day Tshirts and wristbands written: “Help Us Solve the Cruel Mystery.” The purple color is used to signify the Lupus awareness campaign.

During the event, take advantage of the lupus free screening to get yourself tested. You can also urge family and friends who often have lupus-like symptoms to know their status too.

World Lupus Day Symbol

The lupus disease is often related to the butterfly. The butterfly is beautiful, fragile but soars in the sunlight and dances to represent a new life. Butterflies emerge from dark cocoons, but they are transformed into something that appeases the eye. Similarly, lupus patients are beautiful and strong. And despite their challenges, they are not weighed down by the disease.

A purple butterfly represents the World Lupus Day logo.

Facts about Lupus

- Lupus affects more women than men

- An estimated five million people in the world live with lupus

- Lupus is not contagious

- Lupus patients are at risk of other illnesses especially cardiovascular conditions

- On average, a lupus patient can take up to six years before the disease is diagnosed. That is based on the first time they noticed the early lupus symptoms.