SLE is an uncommon condition that, according to some official websites is estimated to affect around 15,000 people in England and Wales around 5 million people around the world.

Women take the brunt of this disease, with about 90% of all cases targeting the fairer sex. Women of African, Caribbean or Asian origin are at greater risk, as are those of childbearing age (between the ages of 15 and 50).  That said, it also affects plenty of women of white European origin, as well as men and those of other ages.  In other words, it’s not a particularly picky disease.

Lupus can also affect children; this is known as Paediatric Lupus.