Welcome
Since 1979 Lupus Association of NSW has been the leading peak body which offers advice, information, support and networking for patients across NSW and now also parts of Australia.
Our priorities
1. To facilitate support and provide counselling and factual up to date information for our members.
2. To promote understanding of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) and related Connective Tissue Diseases (CTD) amongst ourselves, our families, medical and allied health professionals and the community.
3. To operate as a resource base for information and literature regarding Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and related Connective Tissue Diseases.
4. To liaise with similar organisations both interstate and overseas.
5. To promote financial support for research, training and health care services for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and related Connective Tissue Diseases.
6. To consult with Government bodies for appropriate funding for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and related Connective Tissue Diseases.
Today is World Lupus Day!
Join the global lupus community today and Put on Purple to raise awareness and show support for each person impacted by lupus across the world.
Today, let’s come together and take action around the world:
- Put on Purple: It’s simple. Wear your purple and share about it on social media using #WorldLupusDay and #LupusAwarenessMonth or tell a friend, family member or neighbor why raising awareness of lupus is important to you.
- Donate: Your generosity will assist with lupus research and expand access to support, resources and education.
- Raise awareness of lupus and the kidneys: The World Lupus Federation’s global survey found that nearly half of respondents had their kidneys impacted by lupus. Help raise awareness of lupus and lupus-related kidney disease (lupus nephritis) with tools on the World Lupus Day webpage.
And, don’t forget to invite your friends, family, coworkers and community members to take action too. We are stronger together!
Together, we can shine a light on lupus this May!
Understanding the common signs and symptoms of lupus is critical to raising awareness and reducing the time to an accurate diagnosis. Use the symptoms checklist to help recognize the symptoms and risk factors for lupus.
Download Symptoms Checklist
Latest News and Research
Global Survey from World Lupus Federation Finds Nearly Half of People with Lupus Report Kidney Involvement
New data highlights urgent need for improved education and diagnosis of lupus nephritis (lupus-related kidney disease), a serious complication of lupus
The Lupus Association of NSW, through the World Lupus Federation, is sharing new findings from its 2025 global survey focused on lupus nephritis (lupus-related kidney disease).
More than 3,200 people with lupus from 84 countries participated in the survey, with more than 85% of respondents reporting that they had experienced common lupus nephritis symptoms, yet only 47% of respondents reporting their kidneys were affected because of lupus. The survey findings point to a clear and urgent need for greater education, awareness, and proactive care.
Here are just a few key takeaways:
- More than 43% of respondents reported having little or no knowledge about lupus nephritis.
- More than 1 in 3 with lupus nephritis have not had a kidney biopsy, the gold standard for diagnosing lupus nephritis.
- Nearly 3 in 4 who did not report kidney involvement still said they've experienced at least one common symptom, like protein in the urine (proteinuria).
We invite you to take a closer look at the survey results in our press release and view the topline summary and detailed survey results.
As we approach World Lupus Day on May 10, this data reinforces the importance of raising our collective voice, improving education, and ensuring that every person living with lupus has the information and tools they need to protect their health.
Thank you for your continued support as we work together to advance lupus research, awareness, education, and advocacy.
What is lupus?
Also known as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), lupus reprograms immune cells so they attack the body itself, resulting in chronic inflammation. It can affect the kidneys, joints, skin, brain, and the lining of the heart and lungs. Lupus can be mild or life-threatening.
Risk factors for developing lupus
The triggers for lupus are poorly understood. Some factors that are associated with developing lupus are:
- Being female: 90 per cent of Australians with lupus are women.
- Early adulthood: most cases of lupus are detected in people aged between 15 and 40.
- Genetic susceptibility: lupus is more prevalent in some families and some racial groups. Lupus is more prevalent and more severe in Aboriginal Australians than in the wider Australian population.
- Sunlight exposure can be a trigger in susceptible people.
Key Statistics
1 in 1,000
Lupus is estimated to affect more than 25,000 (1 in 1,000) people in Australia
15-45
Onset usually occurs between 15 and 45 years
90%
90% of those affected are women
Signs & Symptoms
How Does Lupus Affect the Body
Tips for Living with Lupus
Raise a hand to help us
Help research to find a cure!
Join us as we work to find a cure for this hidden monster
The Lupus Association of NSW site is for informational purposes only and should not be a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis or treatment. However, do not delay seeking or disregard medical advice based on information on this site. Always seek the advice of your local family physician or other qualified health professional before starting any new treatment or making any changes to existing treatment. Medical information changes rapidly and while the Lupus Association of NSW make efforts to continually update the content on the site, some information may be out of date.