Updated on May 16, 2023
Lupus Awareness Month 2023
May is Lupus Awareness Month, an important time that helps raise awareness, fund research, and support those living with lupus. It is represented by the coloar purple. This year, the theme of Lupus Awareness Month is Make Lupus Visible which aims to focus on the social, physical, emotional, and economic impact of lupus. Despite it being a skin rash, lupus is considered a disability by the Social Security Administration. Moreover, living with lupus can have a profound impact on a person’s mental and emotional well-being.
In earlier times, the term lupus was used indistinctively for several skin conditions that were presented as ulcer lesions. Lupus is named after the signature rash which is believed to resemble a wolf’s bite. However, now it is known for the butterfly-like rash on the face.
The history of Lupus is divided into 3 periods, classical, neoclassical, and modern. And in each period, research and documentation helped advance the understanding and diagnosis of Lupus. In the year 1851, it was finally classified as an autoimmune condition.
In this blog we will be talking about Lupus Awareness Month in detail and how we can play our role in advancing lupus research.
Signs and Symptoms To Look Out For?
This Lupus Awareness Month 2023, it is crucial to understand the condition and its symptoms that could potentially help in early diagnosis and treatment. Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that can affect various parts of the body, including joints, skin, kidneys, heart, and lungs. This condition causes the immune system to attack healthy body tissues and organs, leading to inflammation, pain, and potential damage to vital organs.
Lupus can present with a range of symptoms such as:
- Butterfly rash (characteristic feature)
- Fatigue
- Joint Pain
- Swelling
- Fever
These symptoms can vary from person to person and change over time, making lupus difficult to diagnose and manage. According to the Lupus Foundation of America, an estimated 1.5 million Americans have lupus, and around 90% of patients are women.
Lupus Awareness Month: Impact of Clinical Trials on Lupus Research
Clinical trials are an essential step in discovering new treatments and ways to detect, diagnose and alleviate the risk of disease. They are the center of evidence-based care. Likewise, lupus clinical trials are proving to be a better alternative to conventional treatments. However, despite multiple research projects being conducted, there is still a long way to go.
Role of Volunteers in Lupus Research
People with lupus are the strongest weapons in the fight against lupus. Despite researchers studying more treatments than ever, the voices of people affected by lupus and their caregivers are equally important for research to be successful and meaningful. It is important to understand that people who have lupus can offer more unique perspectives by bringing in personal insights to make the research process more pertinent and feasible.
Moreover, taking part in clinical research requires passion and willingness to learn, and commitment to be there till the end of the clinical trial. People who want to contribute to lupus research and reap the rewards of improving the lives of others are the perfect fit for volunteering.
This Lupus Awareness Month let’s pledge to be more responsible towards the well-being of the community and play our role in any way possible.
The Need for Diversity in Lupus Research
An important aspect of successful clinical research is the inclusion of racial and ethnic minorities and populations that face health disparities. Apart from that, some medical conditions are more prevalent in one ethnic group. In the case of lupus, African Americans are more prone to developing the condition than other ethnic groups. If they are not given an equal chance to take part in research, the results will fail to show the true picture of the condition in different ethnic groups.
Therefore, equal representation of all ethnic groups and races is extremely crucial to the success of clinical research.
How Can We Play Our Part in Lupus Awareness Month 2023?
Lupus Awareness Month aims to educate the public about lupus, its prevalence, and its impact on individuals and families. There are a few things that you can do to participate in Lupus Awareness Month:
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Spread the word:
One way to raise awareness is by sharing facts and information about lupus on social media. You can join the conversation and share your thoughts in various support groups.
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Donate:
Donating to lupus organizations can help fund research, educational programs, and support services for patients and their families. You can visit different foundations that are working for lupus to make a contribution.
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Get involved:
Participating in lupus events or advocacy efforts can help make a difference. You can attend virtual events, such as webinars and forums, or volunteer your time and energy to support Lupus awareness.
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Support those with lupus:
Giving a shoulder to someone in need is the best one can possibly do to help them feel better. If you know someone with lupus, offer your love and support. You can educate yourself about the condition, listen to their experiences, and help them manage their symptoms more effectively.
A Word from Revival
Clinical trials play a significant role in transforming treatments and redefining patient care. Revival Research Institute is actively invested in revolutionizing the research industry. We have conducted multiple dermatology clinical trials for various skin conditions, and lupus is one of them.
We aim to impact all lives touched by research for the better!
Conclusion
In conclusion, Lupus Awareness Month is an opportunity to raise awareness, support research, and show our love and support for those living with lupus. By participating in Lupus Awareness Month, we can help reduce the impact of this condition and promote better understanding and empathy towards those affected by lupus. It is important to realize that even small steps towards helping people with lupus count.
Moreover, Lupus Awareness Month 2023 is the perfect time to recommit to reversing lupus health disparities and foster a healthier life for individuals suffering from lupus no matter their age, race, gender, or ethnicity.
