Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, commonly called SLE or lupus, is an auto-immune condition in which the immune system targets the healthy tissues of the body it usually protects. This leads to inflammation and damage to the various parts of the body targeted. Lupus can be mild or life-threatening depending on what part of the body is affected. Lupus can affect joints, skin, kidneys, heart, lungs, blood vessels and the brain.
Symptoms and Characteristics:
Each person with lupus has different symptoms that can range from mild to severe and may come and go over time with ‘flares’ and remissions. Some common symptoms of Lupus include:
- joint, muscle and/or chest pain
- extreme fatigue or low grade fever
- skin rashes including a characteristic reddish coloured butterfly shaped rash over the nose and cheeks
- hair loss or mouth ulcers
- sunlight sensitivity
- kidney problems
- blood clotting problems
- unexplained headaches, migraines, seizures or mood swings
Workplace adjustments and solutions:
In the workplace there are various factors that would assist people with lupus to better manage their symptoms. These include changes to work tasks and the environment, such as:
- minimise exposure to direct sunlight (including driving a vehicle) especially during the hours of 10am—3pm
- if required to work in sunlight, allow provision for long sleeved shirts, long pants, hat and sunscreen to minimise exposure to UV rays
- consider the use of flexible work hours or routines to allow for avoidance of UV rays
- if individuals report difficulty with fatigue, consider rotating physically demanding tasks with less physical tasks as a form of built in rest breaks
- minimise exposure to high pressure or stressful tasks or jobs
- allow time for exercise during break times
The Employment Assistance Fund provides financial assistance for work-related modifications, equipment and services to help people with disability to get employment and perform their work as independently and productively as possible. To determine eligibility, please refer to the full guidelines:
There are specific solutions and adjustments relating to lupus:
References:
Arthritis Australia 2006, Conditions and Treatments - Lupus, Arthritis Australia, New South Wales, viewed 26 February 2007, <http://www.arthritisaustralia.com.au/>.
Better Health Channel 2007, Lupus explained, State Government of Victoria, Victoria, viewed 26 February 2007, http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/(Pages)/Lupus_explained?OpenDocument.