What is Lupus? A Clinician’s Perspective

At Sheen Vein (Aesthetics and Functional Medicine) in St. Louis, many of our patients come to us seeking answers about autoimmune diseases that have puzzled them for years. Among the most complex and misunderstood is lupus. Often misdiagnosed or dismissed, lupus can affect nearly every organ system and drastically impact quality of life.

As a clinician, I see firsthand the confusion and frustration patients feel when symptoms appear “all over the place.” Lupus isn’t a simple condition—it’s a systemic disorder with multiple layers. In this article, we’ll explore what lupus is, how it manifests, why it happens, and how both conventional and functional medicine can support those living with it.

What is Lupus?

Lupus, formally known as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), is a chronic autoimmune disease. In lupus, the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues and organs, leading to widespread inflammation.

Unlike some autoimmune diseases that target one area (like rheumatoid arthritis primarily affecting joints), lupus can impact the skin, joints, kidneys, brain, lungs, heart, and blood cells. The condition often comes in flares (periods of increased activity) followed by remissions (times when symptoms ease).

Types of Lupus

There are several types of lupus, though systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is the most common:

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE): The classic form, affecting multiple organ systems.
Cutaneous lupus erythematosus: Primarily affects the skin, leading to rashes and lesions.
Drug-induced lupus: Triggered by certain medications; symptoms often resolve once the drug is discontinued.
Neonatal lupus: A rare form passed from mother to child during pregnancy, usually temporary.

Symptoms of Lupus

Lupus symptoms vary widely and can mimic many other conditions. This is one reason it often takes years for patients to receive a diagnosis. Common symptoms include:

Fatigue – often severe and not relieved by rest
Joint pain and swelling – typically symmetrical, resembling rheumatoid arthritis
Skin rashes – particularly the classic “butterfly rash” across the cheeks and nose
Photosensitivity – rashes or worsening symptoms triggered by sun exposure
Fevers without clear cause
Mouth or nose ulcers
Hair loss
Chest pain (pleurisy or pericarditis)
Cognitive difficulties – memory issues, brain fog, or difficulty concentrating

Because lupus can affect organs, symptoms may also include:

Kidney problems (lupus nephritis)
Shortness of breath due to lung involvement
Blood disorders (anemia, low platelets)

Who Gets Lupus?

Gender: Lupus is far more common in women (about 9 out of 10 cases).
Age: Most often diagnosed between ages 15 and 45, though it can occur at any age.
Ethnicity: African American, Hispanic, Asian, and Native American women are at higher risk compared to Caucasian women.
Family history: Genetics play a role, though lifestyle and environmental factors also contribute.

Here in St. Louis, we see lupus affecting patients across different backgrounds, and many tell us their symptoms were originally mistaken for stress, depression, or “just aging.”

Why Does Lupus Happen?

The exact cause of lupus isn’t fully known, but it arises from a mix of genetic, environmental, hormonal, and immune factors.

1. Genetics

Having certain genes increases the likelihood of developing lupus, though no single “lupus gene” exists.

2. Immune Dysregulation

Lupus involves autoantibodies—immune proteins that mistakenly target the body’s own tissues. These lead to widespread inflammation and tissue damage.

3. Hormonal Influences

Because lupus affects women disproportionately, estrogen and hormonal fluctuations are thought to play a role.

4. Environmental Triggers

Sunlight exposure
Viral infections (such as Epstein-Barr virus)
Smoking
Certain medications or chemicals

5. Gut and Inflammation

Emerging research shows the gut microbiome may be linked to lupus. Dysbiosis (imbalanced gut bacteria) and intestinal permeability (“leaky gut”) can overstimulate the immune system, fueling autoimmune activity.

How Lupus is Diagnosed

There is no single definitive test for lupus. Instead, diagnosis is based on a combination of symptoms, exam findings, and lab work. Common diagnostic tools include:

Antinuclear antibody (ANA): Positive in nearly all lupus patients, though not specific
Anti-dsDNA and anti-Smith antibodies: More specific markers for lupus
Complement levels (C3, C4): Often low during active disease
Urinalysis: To check for kidney involvement
Blood counts: To assess anemia or low platelets
Imaging and biopsies: In cases of organ involvement

Because symptoms can wax and wane, and overlap with conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or fibromyalgia, diagnosis often requires persistence and careful evaluation.

Conventional Treatment for Lupus

Traditional medical management focuses on controlling inflammation, preventing flares, and protecting organs. Common treatments include:

Anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs): For joint pain and stiffness
Antimalarials (hydroxychloroquine): A cornerstone medication for controlling lupus flares and protecting against organ involvement
Corticosteroids: To suppress inflammation, often used in short bursts
Immunosuppressants (methotrexate, azathioprine, mycophenolate): To calm the overactive immune response
Biologics (belimumab, rituximab): Newer therapies targeting specific immune pathways

These treatments can be life-saving, especially for organ-threatening disease. However, they may also weaken the immune system and have side effects, requiring careful monitoring.

A Functional Medicine Approach to Lupus

At Sheen Vein (Aesthetics and Functional Medicine), we complement conventional care with a root-cause functional medicine approach. The goal is not just to suppress symptoms, but to restore balance in the immune system.

Comprehensive Evaluation

We look beyond lab results to assess:

Gut microbiome health
Food sensitivities or intolerances
Nutrient deficiencies (vitamin D, omega-3s, magnesium, selenium)
Toxin or heavy metal exposures
Hormonal imbalances
Stress and sleep patterns

Nutrition and Lifestyle

Anti-inflammatory diet emphasizing whole foods, omega-3s, and antioxidants
Reducing inflammatory triggers such as gluten, dairy, and processed sugars
Hydration and electrolyte balance for kidney support
Stress management through mindfulness, yoga, or gentle exercise
Sun protection while still ensuring healthy vitamin D levels

Advanced Therapies

IV nutrient therapy for replenishing deficiencies
Red light therapy (PBM) for inflammation and fatigue support
Regenerative medicine techniques for pain relief in affected joints
Hormonal balancing where needed to support immune function

Living with Lupus

Lupus is a lifelong condition, but it doesn’t have to mean a life of disability. With the right strategies, many patients live long, active, and fulfilling lives.

Key steps for living well with lupus include:

Early diagnosis and treatment to protect organs
Consistent follow-up with healthcare providers
Personalized lifestyle strategies to reduce inflammation and prevent flares
Emotional support through counseling, support groups, or community connections

Patients often tell me the hardest part of lupus isn’t the pain—it’s the unpredictability. By creating a proactive plan, we help our patients regain confidence and stability in their daily lives.

Final Thoughts

Lupus is a complex autoimmune disease, but it is also a condition where knowledge is power. Understanding your body, identifying triggers, and using both conventional and functional medicine strategies can dramatically improve quality of life.

At Sheen Vein (Aesthetics and Functional Medicine) in St. Louis, we specialize in digging deeper—identifying the root imbalances that fuel autoimmunity while providing compassionate, individualized care.

If you or someone you love is struggling with unexplained fatigue, joint pain, rashes, or other lupus symptoms, don’t wait. Early intervention makes a difference. Visit our contact page to schedule a consultation today.

You don’t have to navigate lupus alone—we are here to help.

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