Lupus, also known as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), is an autoimmune condition leading to inflammation in one or more parts of the body. The immune system, which normally protects the body from infections, begins to turn against the body's own healthy tissues, causing inflammation to areas such as the skin, joints, muscles, eyes, lungs, heart, kidneys, blood vessels, nerves and brain. Raynaud’s, mouth ulcers, hair loss and fatigue are also symptoms commonly experienced by patients with lupus.

Lupus predominantly affects females, particularly those of African, Caribbean and Chinese origin. The diagnosis is made through a physical assessment and investigations such as routine and specialised immune blood test markers. Organ involvement can be checked for through various means including a urine test, and tests of heart and lung function.

Since lupus can present in a multitude of different ways, treatment depends upon disease severity and which parts of the body are involved. This may include short and long term courses of steroids, alongside disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs). The choice of DMARD again depends upon severity and nature of the disease.