It damages nerves, causing numbness in hands and feet. It can inflame blood vessels, called vasculitis. During pregnancy, it can cause fetal heart defects. Patients even have a 44-fold increased risk of lymphoma. Part of the diagnosis problem is that symptoms vary so widely, and can range from mild to debilitating, says Dr. Stanley Pillemer of the NIH's National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research.
Nobody knows the cause.
Ninety percent of patients are women. Once thought a problem of old age, it actually can strike quite young. Moisturizing eye drops are standard. Some doctors prescribe the malaria drug hydroxychloroquine to reduce inflammation, and steroids for severe symptoms like vasculitis. This article was prepared by Women's Health Weekly editors from staff and other reports.