Lupus Awareness Month: Understanding, Supporting, and Taking Action

Explore how Lupus Awareness Month brings attention to lupus, supports those affected, and how anyone can help raise awareness.

By Sneha Tete, Integrated MA, Certified Relationship Coach

Created on Sep 25, 2025

Explore how Lupus Awareness Month brings attention to lupus, supports those affected, and how anyone can help raise awareness.

May Is Lupus Awareness Month

Lupus Awareness Month, observed each May, shines a spotlight on lupus—a chronic, often misunderstood autoimmune disease. The month provides an important opportunity to promote understanding, reduce stigma, and foster supportive communities for those living with lupus. Whether you have lupus, know someone affected, or simply want to support a worthy cause, Lupus Awareness Month offers plenty of ways to get involved and make a difference.

How to Participate in Lupus Awareness Month

Lupus Awareness Month encompasses a range of activities and initiatives designed to educate the public, raise funds for research, and support those affected by the disease. Here are effective ways to participate:

Spread Awareness: Discuss lupus with your family and friends, share social media posts using designated hashtags, and wear purple to spark conversations.
Share Your Story: If you or a loved one has experience with lupus, consider sharing your story online to personalize the disorder and put a face to the name.
Support Fundraising: Participate in or organize a virtual or in-person fundraising event, such as walks, runs, or donation drives, to fund research and support programs.
Promote Policy Change: Contact local officials to advocate for better healthcare accessibility and increased research funding for lupus.
Connect with Organizations: Engage with groups like the Lupus Foundation of America or local nonprofits, and participate in their awareness campaigns and educational efforts.

What Is Lupus Awareness Day?

World Lupus Day falls on May 10 each year, serving as the global focal point for lupus awareness. Despite the pervasiveness of lupus, a 2019 survey by the Lupus Foundation of America found that 63% of respondents had never heard of lupus or knew very little about it. World Lupus Day aims to address this gap by highlighting lupus symptoms, risk factors, available treatments, and advocating for better resources and recognition. Most activities include educational outreach, wearing purple or lupus-branded gear, and amplifying established campaigns via social media and community events.

Wear purple on May 10 and share educational materials from trusted lupus organizations.
Connect with your local lupus chapter for information on regional events and support networks.
Promote awareness in schools, workplaces, and online to expand understanding.

Why Is Purple the Color for Lupus?

Purple is the official color of lupus awareness. Its significance arises partially from symptoms like purpura (purple or red spots on the skin), commonly seen in some lupus patients. In addition, lupus may cause a condition called livedo reticularis, a lattice-like purplish discoloration beneath the skin’s surface. Wearing purple during Lupus Awareness Month visually unites supporters and sparks dialogue, helping make the invisible effects of lupus more visible to the public.

What Is Lupus?

Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disorder in which the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues, resulting in widespread inflammation and damage. The hallmark of lupus is its unpredictability—it can target nearly any part of the body and symptoms may come and go or mimic other diseases, making diagnosis and management especially complex.

The most common and severe form is systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), which often affects the joints, skin, kidneys, heart, and lungs. Other forms include:

Cutaneous lupus erythematosus: Primarily affects the skin, causing rashes or lesions.
Drug-induced lupus: A temporary disorder triggered by certain medications and typically resolves after discontinuation of the drug.

Key Facts About Lupus

Prevalence: About 1.5 million Americans are living with lupus.
Disproportionate Impact: Lupus predominantly affects women (about 90%) and is more common among Black/African American, Hispanic/Latino, Asian American, Native American, and Pacific Islander communities.
Onset: Most cases occur between ages 15 and 44, though lupus can affect anyone at any age, including children and older adults.

Lupus Signs and Symptoms

Because lupus is so varied, symptoms differ greatly from one person to another. Some may have only mild symptoms, while others endure life-altering effects. Notably, lupus can go through “flares” (periods of worsening symptoms) and remission.

Common symptoms include:

Fatigue
Pain or swelling in joints (arthritis)
Butterfly-shaped rash across the nose and cheeks
Hair loss
Sun sensitivity
Chest pain when breathing deeply
Headaches
Mouth or nose ulcers
Confusion or memory problems
Dizziness

Some forms of lupus can cause issues in organs that produce subtle or no noticeable symptoms, leading to significant, sometimes delayed, consequences. Early recognition and treatment are crucial for avoiding irreversible damage.

Common Organ Systems Affected by Lupus

Organ System	Potential Effects
Joints	Pain, swelling, and stiffness (arthritis)
Skin	Rashes, lesions, increased sun sensitivity
Kidneys	Lupus nephritis, which can lead to kidney failure if untreated
Heart	Pericarditis, myocarditis, increased cardiovascular risk
Lungs	Pleurisy, chest pain, shortness of breath
Brain & Nervous System	Headaches, seizures, changes in mood or cognition

What Causes Lupus?

The precise cause of lupus is unknown, but it is believed to result from a combination of genetic, environmental, and possibly hormonal factors. Each individual’s journey with lupus is unique, which underlines the need for personalized approaches to diagnosis and treatment.

Genetic predisposition: Having a family member with lupus or another autoimmune disorder increases risk.
Environmental triggers: Sunlight (UV exposure), infections, and certain medications can trigger flares in susceptible individuals.
Hormonal factors: The higher incidence in women, especially during childbearing years, suggests a link to estrogen.

Diagnosis and Outlook

Lupus can be extremely challenging to diagnose due to its wide-ranging symptoms and overlap with other conditions. Blood tests, urinalysis, symptom tracking, and sometimes tissue biopsies are used to support diagnosis. Early detection is key for minimizing complications.

Outlook: While there is currently no cure for lupus, ongoing research is unlocking better treatments and improving outcomes. With proper management, many people with lupus experience long periods of stability and quality of life. Treatment is focused on:

Controlling inflammation and preventing organ damage
Managing symptoms such as fatigue and joint pain
Reducing the frequency and severity of flares
Supporting emotional well-being and coping strategies

Living With and Supporting Lupus

Lupus impacts every aspect of a person’s life, including physical, emotional, and social well-being. Support from friends, family, healthcare providers, and community organizations is vital for navigating challenges and celebrating victories.

Effective Strategies for People Living with Lupus

Education: Learn about lupus so you can advocate for yourself in medical settings and daily life.
Building a support network: Connect with others living with lupus for shared experiences and encouragement.
Developing self-management skills: Practice healthy habits like balanced nutrition, exercise (as tolerated), and stress management to reduce symptoms and flares.
Open communication: Be honest about your needs with loved ones and health professionals.

How to Support Someone With Lupus

Recognize that lupus symptoms are real, even when they are invisible to others.
Offer flexible help with everyday tasks during flares or tough periods.
Encourage involvement in support groups or counseling as needed.
Advocate for better awareness and accessibility in your community or workplace.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the first signs of lupus?

The first signs of lupus are often general and can include fatigue, joint pain, unexplained fever, and skin rashes—especially the characteristic butterfly rash. Some people may also experience hair loss or mouth ulcers.

Is lupus contagious?

No, lupus is not contagious. It cannot be spread from person to person through physical contact or sharing of bodily fluids.

Can lupus be cured?

Lupus has no known cure yet, but treatments can control symptoms and help most people maintain quality of life. Ongoing research aims to find better treatments and potentially a cure in the future.

Who is most at risk for developing lupus?

Women between ages 15 and 44 are most frequently diagnosed, especially those who are Black, Hispanic/Latino, Asian, Native American, or Pacific Islander. However, lupus can affect anyone, including men, children, and older adults.

How can I help raise lupus awareness?

Wear purple during Lupus Awareness Month and World Lupus Day.
Share accurate information about lupus on social media and in your circles.
Participate in or organize fundraising and educational events.
Advocate for policy changes and increased research funding.

Summary

Lupus Awareness Month is a vital initiative to raise the profile of lupus, support those affected, and drive research and advocacy. By spreading awareness, wearing purple, participating in educational efforts, or simply offering a listening ear, each person can make a genuinely positive impact during May—and beyond. Remember, knowledge, compassion, and action are the cornerstones of building a supportive future for those living with lupus.

References

Author

Sneha TeteBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

Sneha is a relationships and lifestyle writer with a strong foundation in applied linguistics and certified training in relationship coaching. She brings over five years of writing experience to thebridalbox, crafting thoughtful, research-driven content that empowers readers to build healthier relationships, boost emotional well-being, and embrace holistic living.

Read full bio of Sneha Tete