7 Myths About Lupus that Need Debunking

Lupus is a complex disease that causes the body’s immune system to turn against healthy tissue instead of outside invaders. It has affected 1.5 million people in the U.S. alone and tends to be more prevalent among women who are of Native American, Hispanic, Asian, or African American background.

There are four different variations of this condition, and symptoms can range from hair loss to fatigue, to joint and organ damage. At times, symptoms might not be so obvious, or the person who suffers from lupus tries to quietly persevere through daily routines without saying a word—in spite of the pain. So to the observing outsider, nothing appears to be out of the ordinary, or the person’s discomfort resembles that of the flu or another common illness. Therefore, misconceptions can arise from a lack of awareness of this disease, and only increased education and conversation can remove the mystery that surrounds this condition. 

Read on to learn a few of the myths that are associated with lupus.