Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes inflammation throughout the body. Lupus symptoms usually come and go in waves called flare-ups, which can be severe enough to affect daily routine. Flares can come and go, and some flares are mild, while others are serious and require medical care. Although doctors dont know exactly what causes lupus, they think genetics, hormones, and the environment may be involved. There are several triggers that can cause lupus flares, including:

• Overwork and not enough rest
• Being out in the sun or having close exposure to fluorescent or halogen light
• Infection
• Injury
• Stopping your lupus medicines
• Other types of medicines
• Stressful events

Some women with lupus also get symptom flares around their period or during pregnancy when estrogen levels are higher, but this doesnt prove that estrogen causes lupus. Lupus flares can vary in length, and some may last several days, while others may span weeks or more. Its important to figure out if you are experiencing a lupus flare or something else, such as an infection, and talk to your doctor about ways to relieve symptoms when this happens.