Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues. It has a wide range of manifestations, which can include skin involvement, joint pain, and persistent fatigue. In some forms, the disease can also affect internal organs such as the kidneys or the heart. Although its exact causes are still not well understood, a combination of genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors appears to be involved. Learn more about lupus here.