World Lupus Day May 10

In honor of the day, here is a list of 10 facts you probably don't know about systemic lupus:

1. Lupus is an autoimmune disease that can damage any part of the body. Lupus most commonly affects the skin, musculoskeletal system, kidneys, and cardiovascular system.

2. The average new patient is a non-Caucasian woman in her childbearing years.

3. There has not been a new drug approved for lupus in over 50 years. The most commonly used medications are NSAIDs, steroids, anti-malarial drugs, and in very severe cases, chemo.

4. The average lupus patient waits around 3.5 years for a correct diagnosis.

5. Lupus is the Latin word for wolf and became the name of the disease with the observance of the similarities between a wolf's facial markings and the facial rash many lupus patients experience.

6. There are numerous pregnancy risk factors for lupus patients: miscarriage, preterm delivery, and preeclampsia. Every lupus pregnancy is considered high-risk. There is also a risk of the baby developing heart complications or neonatal lupus.

7. The cause of lupus is unknown. It is believed there is a genetic predisposition along with environmental triggers.

8. An estimated 16,000 new cases of lupus are reported each year.

9. The most common causes of death in lupus patients are kidney failure, infection, and heart disease.

10. Lupus patients are often very sun-sensitive and can get non-sunburn rashes or even flares after exposure.