There appears to be a genetic predisposition to developing lupus as well as other autoimmune diseases, however lupus is not considered a genetic disease in the classical sense. Relatives of people with lupus have a five to twelve percent greater tendency to get the disease if family members have it. Only five percent of children born to a parent with lupus will actually develop lupus. A flare is a sudden change of disease activity, for example, the development of new symptoms. Symptoms may include a feeling of weakness, low temperature, joint and muscle aches, and the development of oral and nose ulcers.
Flares can take on many forms, indicating that the disease is quite active.
A flare can last anywhere from a few days to several weeks. In some cases when a flare is particularly bad a course of immunosuppressive medications such as prednisone can terminate the flare. Flares are experienced differently by different people. Always limit exposure to the sun as much as possible by shielding yourself from the sun's rays. You may do this by wearing protective clothing such as long-sleeve shirts or dresses, gloves, and hats.