Alphabet: S

What is systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)? Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system attacks and causes inflammation in its own tissues. Inflammation results in swelling, pain and other symptoms. As a result of SLE, the skin, joints, kidneys, heart, lungs, blood vessels, the nervous system and almost

What is Sjögren syndrome? Sjögren syndrome is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes damage to the salivary glands (resulting in a dry mouth) and the tear glands (resulting in dry eyes). It can also affect other parts of the body including joints, muscles and nerves, and organs such as the lungs and kidneys, or glands

What is scleroderma? The name scleroderma is derived from the Greek word “skleros”, which means hard, and “derma”, which means skin. The most characteristic feature of scleroderma is the build-up of tough scar-like fibrous tissue in the skin. The disease may affect the skin alone (localized scleroderma) or be throughout the body, affecting internal organs