Lupus

I have been doing some reasearch on Lupus and have seen some awareness pictures, most have to do with a wolf or butterfly as there symbol. I became very curious on why they chose a wolf and a butterfly so I looked it up!

Lupus is the Latin word for wolf! The disease was named because of a wolf-bite shaped rash (the butterfly rash) that appears across the nose and cheeks of many lupus patients.

Now you may be wondering what is Lupus, So I will expain it as best as I can!
Lupus is an autoimmune disease that can affect various parts of the body, including the skin, joints, heart, lungs, blood, kidneys and brain. Normally the body's immune system makes proteins called antibodies, to protect the body against viruses, bacteria, and other foreign materials. These foreign materials are called antigens. In an autoimmune disorder like lupus, the immune system cannot tell the difference between foreign substances and its own cells and tissues. The immune system then makes antibodies directed against itself. These antibodies -- called "auto-antibodies" (auto means 'self') cause inflammation, pain and damage in various parts of the body.For most people, lupus is a mild disease affecting only a few organs. For others, it may cause serious and even life-threatening problems. Although epidemiological data on lupus is limited, studies suggest that more than 16,000 Americans develop lupus each year.

Intense sun exposure can trigger lupus flares. Sensitivity to the sun occurs in about one of every three lupus patients.