US Medical Term · conditions
Lupus (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus)
Lupus (Lupus Eritematoso Sistémico)
In 9 languages
| Language | Term |
|---|---|
| English | Lupus (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus) |
| Spanish (Español) | Lupus (Lupus Eritematoso Sistémico) |
| Chinese (中文) | 全身性紅斑狼瘡 |
| Korean (한국어) | 루푸스(전신홍반루푸스) |
| Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) | Lupus ban đỏ hệ thống |
| Filipino (Tagalog) | Lupus (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus) |
| Portuguese (Português) | Lúpus (Lúpus Eritematoso Sistêmico) |
| Thai (ภาษาไทย) | โรคลูปัส (ซีสเต็มิกลูปัสอีริทีมาโทซัส) |
| Japanese (日本語) | 全身性エリテマトーデス |
What it means
Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks healthy tissue throughout the body, causing widespread inflammation. It can affect the skin, joints, kidneys, brain, lungs, and heart. The classic butterfly-shaped rash across the cheeks and nose is a recognizable sign. Symptoms flare and remit unpredictably and include fatigue, joint pain, fever, and sensitivity to sunlight. Lupus is far more common in women, particularly of African, Hispanic, and Asian descent. Treatment involves anti-inflammatory medications, immunosuppressants, and hydroxychloroquine to reduce flares.
How to say it
Sentences a patient might use with a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or insurer:
I have lupus and my joints and skin flare up unpredictably.
Tengo lupus y mis articulaciones y piel se inflaman de manera impredecible.
My lupus is affecting my kidneys and I need specialist care.
Mi lupus está afectando mis riñones y necesito atención especializada.
I avoid sunlight because of my lupus and need sun-protection advice.
Evito el sol por mi lupus y necesito orientación sobre protección solar.
Where you'll see it
Related ICD-10-CM category
M32 Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)Related terms
Sources
Last reviewed: September 2026