Those with it are frequently misdiagnosed as having rheumatoid arthritis. Ninety percent of lupus occurs in women in their 30s. The skin lesions are small, yellowish lumps. They leave scars when they disappear. Sometimes the first appearance of the problem is an arthritic-like condition, with swelling and pain in the joints and fingers.
Severe cases can affect the brain and heart.
Sometimes the central nervous system is affected, and deep depression, amnesia, seizures, or psychosis can result. It has been classified as an autoimmune disease, since the body is attacking itself. Ultraviolet rays in the sun can trigger the first attack. Stress, childbirth, fatigue, infection, chemicals, and certain drugs can also bring it on. Dr. Max Gerson used a careful, very nourishing diet, including vegetable and fruit juices and vitamin-mineral supplementation to eliminate lupus in his patients, but the dietary change had to be total or no progress was made.