This is an autoimmune disease where the immune system harms cells of the body. It can affect the joints, skin, nervous system, kidneys and heart. 

Although it is a disease for which there is no long term cure, it can be managed and usually controlled with medication. It affects different people in different ways and can have symptoms that come and go. 

Symptoms initially can include tiredness, muscle and joint pain and swelling, hair loss, rash, and fevers. The diagnosis is made on the basis of the history and examination findings as well as blood tests and urine tests. For more information see www.arthritis.org.nz