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    3. Rheumatology
    4. Lupus

    Lupus

    At Mayo Clinic Healthcare in London, our rheumatology specialists assess, diagnose, and manage lupus and other autoimmune conditions.If you have symptoms that may be linked to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), our consultant-led team can investigate the cause and recommend a care plan tailored to you.

    Lupus is an autoimmune condition. This means the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues. It can affect different parts of the body, including the joints, skin, kidneys, blood, lungs, heart, and nervous system.

    Early assessment can help identify lupus and show whether the condition is affecting other parts of your body.

    • Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is the most common form of lupus. It is a long-term autoimmune condition that can cause inflammation in different parts of the body.

      Lupus affects people in different ways. Some people mainly have joint or skin symptoms. Others may develop inflammation that affects internal organs. Symptoms can also come and go. Periods when symptoms become more active are known as flares. These may be followed by periods when symptoms improve or disappear.

      There is currently no cure for lupus, but treatment can help control inflammation, reduce symptoms, and lower the risk of organ damage.

    • An early lupus symptom can be difficult to recognise because lupus can affect many parts of the body, and its symptoms can be similar to those of other conditions.

      You may experience:

      • Persistent tiredness
      • Joint pain, stiffness, or swelling
      • Muscle aches
      • Unexplained fever
      • Skin rashes, including a butterfly-shaped rash across the cheeks and nose
      • Skin sensitivity to sunlight
      • Hair loss
      • Mouth or nose ulcers
      • Fingers or toes that become unusually pale or blue when exposed to cold or stress
      • Headaches
      • Swelling around the legs, ankles, or face

      Symptoms may develop gradually or appear more suddenly, and they can range from mild to more severe. Some people experience flares, when symptoms become more noticeable, followed by periods when symptoms improve.

      If you have persistent or unexplained symptoms, a specialist assessment can help determine whether lupus or another condition may be causing them.

    • The exact cause of lupus is not fully understood. It is thought to develop because of a combination of genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors that affect how the immune system works.

      Factors that may contribute include:

      • A family history of lupus or other autoimmune conditions
      • Certain genetic factors that may increase your risk
      • Hormonal influences
      • Exposure to sunlight
      • Certain infections
      • Some medicines
      • Smoking and other environmental factors

      Having one or more of these risk factors does not mean you will develop lupus. Your specialist will consider your medical history, symptoms, and individual circumstances when assessing you.

    • Diagnosis begins with a detailed consultation and examination by your rheumatology specialist.

      There is no single test that can confirm lupus. Your assessment may include:

      • A review of your symptoms, when they started, and how they have changed
      • A detailed medical and family history
      • A physical examination
      • Blood tests to assess blood cell levels and inflammation
      • An antinuclear antibody (ANA) test and other antibody tests where appropriate
      • Urine tests to check for signs of kidney involvement
      • Imaging tests where symptoms suggest inflammation affecting particular organs
      • A tissue biopsy in selected cases, such as when there are concerns about the skin or kidneys

      A positive ANA test alone does not mean you have lupus. Your consultant will consider your test results together with your symptoms, medical history, and examination. They will also consider other possible causes.

      The tests and assessments you need will depend on your symptoms and what your consultant finds during your examination.

    • Treatment for SLE depends on which parts of your body are affected, how severe your symptoms are, and whether your lupus is active.

      Treatment may include:

      • Medicines to reduce inflammation and control symptoms
      • Hydroxychloroquine to help manage symptoms and reduce disease activity
      • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for certain types of pain and inflammation
      • Corticosteroids when stronger control of inflammation is needed
      • Medicines that suppress the immune system for more severe lupus or lupus that affects major organs
      • Treatment for complications or other conditions associated with lupus

      Your treatment plan may change over time depending on your symptoms and how active your lupus is. Regular monitoring helps your consultant identify changes and adjust your treatment when needed.

      Your consultant will explain why a particular treatment is being recommended, what you can expect from it, and how your condition will be monitored.

    • The management of SLE involves more than treating symptoms during a flare. Ongoing care aims to control inflammation, reduce the frequency and severity of flares, and protect your organs over the long term.

      Your management plan may include:

      • Regular monitoring of your symptoms and blood or urine test results
      • Taking your medicines as prescribed
      • Protecting your skin from excessive sunlight if this triggers symptoms
      • Staying physically active at a level that is appropriate for you
      • Getting enough rest and finding ways to manage fatigue
      • Monitoring for complications that may affect organs such as the kidneys or heart

      Your consultant can help you understand your condition, recognise changes in your symptoms, and know when you may need further assessment.

      Because lupus can affect different parts of the body, your rheumatology specialist may work with other specialists as part of your ongoing care.

    • At Mayo Clinic Healthcare, your care is led by consultants experienced in diagnosing and managing complex autoimmune and rheumatological conditions.

      Our approach includes:

      • Rheumatology specialists experienced in diagnosing and managing lupus
      • A detailed assessment of your symptoms, medical history, and test results
      • Appropriate blood and urine tests to support diagnosis and ongoing monitoring
      • Collaboration with other specialists when lupus affects different areas of your health
      • A care plan tailored to your symptoms, diagnosis, and individual circumstances
      • Expert recommendations to support the long-term management of your condition

      As part of the globally recognised Mayo Clinic network, we are committed to providing accurate diagnosis and high-quality, patient-centred care.

    Private health insurance 

    Mayo Clinic Healthcare works with all major private health insurance providers, including AXA PPP, Aviva, BUPA, Health Partners Group, Vitality Health and WPA. Self-pay arrangements are also available.

    Private assessment

    If you have symptoms that may be linked to lupus, our rheumatology specialists can assess your symptoms, investigate the possible cause, and recommend appropriate next steps.

    Our team can help clarify your diagnosis, explain your options, and recommend treatment for systemic lupus erythematosus based on your individual needs.

    Request an appointment or call +44 (0) 207 871 2575 to speak with our team.

     

    Medically Reviewed by

    Dr Anna Nuttall, Consultant Rheumatologist

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