title: Understanding lupus.
abstract: Lupus is a chronic inflammatory disease mainly affecting women of childbearing years. Angela Barwick discusses the condition, dealing with the diagnosis itself, the symptoms, treatment and the effects on the patient's lifestyle and wellbeing.
authors.affiliation: Louise Coote Lupus Unit, St Thomas' Hospital, London.
authors.forename: A R
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: Barwick
mesh_terms: D002908:Chronic Disease; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D008178:Lupus Erythematosus, Cutaneous / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D008180:Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D024802:Nurse's Role; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D012657:Self-Help Groups; D012944:Social Support