Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Achuta Uppu, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Systemic Lupus Erythematosus?
A rheumatologist (a doctor who treats joint and autoimmune diseases) usually treats systemic lupus erythematosus. A primary care doctor often helps coordinate care. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is systemic lupus erythematosus?
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is often called lupus. It is a long-lasting autoimmune disease that can affect many parts of the body. Normally, the immune system protects the body from infection and disease. In lupus, it attacks the body's own tissues. This attack causes inflammation, which is swelling in the body, and in some cases permanent damage. The damage can affect the skin, joints, heart, lungs, kidneys, blood cells, and brain. SLE is the most common type of lupus. People with lupus may have periods of illness called flares and periods of wellness called remission.
Symptoms
Symptoms vary from person to person and can range from mild to severe. Symptoms may come and go, and new ones can appear over time. Symptoms can include:
- Painful, swollen joints (arthritis) and morning stiffness
- Fevers
- Feeling tired often
- A rash across the nose and cheeks, called a malar or butterfly rash
- Sensitivity to the sun that may cause a rash
- Fingers and toes that change color from cold and stress
- Swelling in the legs or around the eyes
- Pain when breathing deeply or lying down
- Headaches, dizziness, depression, confusion, or seizures
Lupus can damage the kidneys. This is called lupus nephritis, and it can lead to kidney failure.
Causes and who gets it
The cause of lupus is unknown. Research shows that certain genes play a role in lupus. Viral infections, sunlight, certain medicines, and smoking may also trigger lupus. Anyone can get lupus, but women get it about nine times more often than men. Having a family member with lupus or another autoimmune disease may make you more likely to get lupus.
How doctors diagnose it
Lupus can be hard to diagnose. It has many symptoms that come and go and can look like other diseases. No single test diagnoses lupus. A doctor asks about your health history and does a complete physical exam. Blood tests often include the ANA test (antinuclear antibody test), a sensitive test for lupus. Almost everyone with lupus has a positive ANA. A positive ANA does not mean you have lupus, because healthy people can have a positive ANA too. Sometimes a doctor takes a small piece of skin or kidney tissue to look at under a microscope. This is called a biopsy.
Treatment
There is no cure for lupus, but medicines and lifestyle changes can help control it. The goals are to manage symptoms and to prevent, limit, and stop flares. Doctors also aim to keep disease activity as low as possible. They also aim to prevent or slow organ damage and improve quality of life. Antimalarial drugs are also used to prevent and treat malaria. In lupus, they can help with fatigue, joint pain, skin rashes, and lung inflammation. Corticosteroids lower inflammation. Because they are strong drugs, doctors prescribe the lowest dose that works. Immunosuppressants calm an overactive immune system. The risk of side effects goes up the longer they are taken. Newer medicines are now available for some types of lupus, including lupus that affects the kidneys. Never stop your medicines or treatments without talking to your doctor. Research has not definitively shown whether alternative therapies, such as special diets, help treat lupus. Protect yourself from the sun, because sun exposure can sometimes cause a flare.
When to see a doctor
Tell your doctor about new symptoms right away so your treatment plan can change if needed. Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have chest pain that lasts two minutes or more. Do the same for trouble breathing, fainting, or sudden confusion.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Either kind of doctor can help coordinate care among your doctors. In lupus care, that is the job of a primary care provider.
Common questions
Is there a cure for systemic lupus erythematosus?
No, there is no cure for lupus at this time. Treatments have improved a great deal, so doctors have more choices.
What can trigger a lupus flare?
Sun exposure and stress can each trigger a flare. Wearing a hat or long-sleeved shirts and using sunscreen outside can help protect you from the sun.
Can women with lupus have healthy pregnancies?
Yes, most women with lupus can have healthy pregnancies if the disease is under control. If you plan to get pregnant, talk to your doctor first so you can be as healthy as possible.
Sources
- National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases - Overview of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (Lupus)
- National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases - Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (Lupus): Diagnosis, Treatment, and Steps to Take
- MedlinePlus - Lupus
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
