When only the skin is involved, the condition is called lupus dermatitis or cutaneous lupus erythematosus. A person with systemic lupus erythematosus may have inflammation of various parts of the heart, such as pericarditis, myocarditis, and endocarditis. Signs and symptoms may come on suddenly or develop slowly, may be mild or severe, and may be temporary or permanent.
The outlook (prognosis) for patients with lupus today is much better than years ago because of greater awareness and more accurate tests leading to earlier diagnosis and treatment as well as more effective and safer medications and monitoring methods. In autoimmune diseases, the immune system turns against parts of the body it is designed to protect. It is important to distinguish between a lupus flare and an infection.