Lupus Awareness Month: Shedding Light on a Silent Disease
May is Lupus Awareness Month, a time to bring attention to a disease that often hides in plain sight. Lupus, an autoimmune disease that affects millions worldwide, is especially prevalent in communities of color. At Marin City Health and Wellness Center, we’re committed to raising awareness, providing care and encouraging early detection, because early action can change lives.
What Is Lupus?
Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks healthy tissues and organs. It can affect the skin, joints, kidneys, brain and other organs, leading to widespread inflammation and tissue damage. Lupus is complex and varies greatly from person to person, which is why it’s often called “the great imitator”; its symptoms can mimic many other conditions.
Who Gets Lupus?
Lupus doesn’t discriminate, but it doesn’t affect everyone equally:
- 90% of people diagnosed with lupus are women, typically between the ages of 15 and 44.
- Black women are three times more likely to develop lupus than white women.
- Lupus also disproportionately affects Latinas, Asian Americans and Native Americans.
- Family history can increase risk, though most people with lupus have no close relatives with the disease.
Why Does Lupus Hit Minority Communities Harder?
Several factors contribute to the higher prevalence and severity of lupus in people of color:
- Genetic predisposition
- Socioeconomic barriers to healthcare access
- Delayed diagnosis due to disparities in medical attention
- Environmental factors, such as exposure to pollutants and chronic stress
In Marin City and the greater Bay Area, addressing these disparities is part of our mission at MCHWC. We work to eliminate barriers to care and ensure every individual, especially those in underserved communities, can access timely diagnosis and treatment.
Is Lupus Deadly?
Lupus can be life-threatening if left untreated. It’s a serious disease, but with early diagnosis, ongoing care and the right treatment plan, many people with lupus live long, healthy lives.
- The severity of lupus varies. Some may experience mild symptoms, while others deal with severe organ damage.
- Kidney disease, cardiovascular issues and infections are among the most serious complications.
- Early intervention is key to improving quality of life and preventing life-threatening outcomes.
Are There Different Types of Lupus?
- Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) – The most common form, which can affect multiple organs and systems.
- Cutaneous lupus – Affects only the skin, leading to rashes and lesions.
- Drug-induced lupus – Triggered by certain medications; symptoms often disappear once the malegra drug is discontinued.
- Neonatal lupus – A rare condition that affects newborns of women with lupus.
What Are the Symptoms of Lupus?
Lupus symptoms can vary widely and often come and go in flares. Some of the most common include:
- Fatigue and fever
- Joint pain and swelling
- Skin rashes, especially a butterfly-shaped rash across the cheeks and nose
- Sensitivity to sunlight
- Hair loss
- Chest pain when breathing deeply
- Fingers and toes turning white or blue in cold (Raynaud’s phenomenon)
- Memory problems or confusion
Because these symptoms overlap with many other conditions, lupus is notoriously difficult to diagnose. On average, it takes six years from the onset of symptoms for a person to receive a correct diagnosis.
Can Lupus Be Prevented?
There’s no known way to prevent lupus, but you can take steps to reduce the risk of triggering flares or worsening the disease:
- Protect your skin from the sun. UV light can trigger or worsen lupus symptoms.
- Avoid smoking. Smoking increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and lupus complications.
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle. Diet, exercise, and stress management can help your immune system stay in balance.
- Stay on top of regular checkups. Early detection of symptoms and changes in your health can help keep lupus under control.
How Is Lupus Treated?
There’s no cure for lupus, but treatment can reduce symptoms, prevent flares, and protect organs from damage. Treatment plans are highly individualized and may include:
- Anti-inflammatory medications for pain and swelling
- Immunosuppressive drugs to control the overactive immune response
- Antimalarials, like hydroxychloroquine, which help manage skin and joint symptoms
- Steroids to reduce inflammation during flares
- Lifestyle changes, such as stress reduction, rest and balanced nutrition
Patients living with lupus benefit most from a coordinated care team. At MCHWC, we prioritize culturally responsive care and whole-person support for chronic disease management.
Living with Lupus: What You Need to Know
- Stay informed. Educate yourself about lupus and advocate for your health.
- Build a care team. Doctors, specialists, mental health counselors and support groups can all play a role.
- Track your symptoms. Keeping a journal helps identify flare triggers and treatment effects.
- Prioritize your mental health. Chronic illness takes a toll; counseling and peer support can make a big difference.
Lupus in Our Community: Why Awareness Matters
Here in Marin City, where many residents face compounding health inequities, awareness of lupus can save lives. Lupus often goes undiagnosed, especially in communities of color. Delays in diagnosis and care mean preventable complications and unnecessary suffering.
That’s why MCHWC encourages regular checkups, open conversations with your provider, and early evaluation if symptoms arise. We’re here to support your wellness—mind, body and community.
How You Can Support Lupus Awareness
- Wear purple in May to show your support.
- Share your story or amplify the voices of others living with lupus.
- Donate to organizations funding lupus research or patient support.
- Schedule a wellness exam at MCHWC if you’ve experienced any symptoms.
- Talk to friends and family about lupus and how it impacts communities of color.
Empowerment Through Education
Lupus is a complex disease, but knowledge is power. By raising awareness, encouraging early diagnosis, and ensuring equitable care, we can make a real difference. This Lupus Awareness Month, let’s stand together with those living with lupus and work toward a future with earlier detection, better treatment and health equity for all.
If you or someone you love is experiencing symptoms of lupus, don’t wait. Make an appointment with a provider at Marin City Health and Wellness Center today.
About MCHWC
Marin City Health and Wellness is a community health clinic serving Marin and San Francisco Counties, providing innovative health and wellness services to all, with the goal of African American health equity.
Make your appointment today by calling (415) 339-8813, available 24/7.