An explanation

The immune system normally protects the body against viruses, bacteria, cancers and other undesirable invaders. In an autoimmune disease like lupus, the immune system loses it's ability to tell the difference between undesirable substances and it's own cells and tissue. The immune system then makes antibodies directed against "self", which causes inflammation and damage to a person's tissues and organs.

So what does that mean? Lupus almost defies definition. Having the facts about it doesn't mean understanding it. That is the reason for this blog. This is what lupus is.