Yesterday was World Lupus Day, so today we’re answering questions you might have about the health condition. To help us out, we talked with Taneia Surles, MPH (she/her), health writer, public health professional, and ofc, a person with lupus.

When she isn’t busy reading, watching documentaries, or snuggling with her pets Jynx and Gooby, she’s using her background in public health to pursue a writing career in health education by covering topics like mental health, chronic disease, sexual health, and alternative medicine.

Keep reading to hear about Taneia’s diagnosis, a few common Qs about the inflammatory disease, and her advice on what to do if you think you might have it.

How did you find out you had lupus?
Whew, where do I start? Well, my life changed instantly when I began to notice ringworm-like rashes develop on my arm during my first year of high school. My family and I initially thought it was a bug bite and took the proper steps to treat it, but it only worsened. Those rings began to spread to other areas of my body and became very painful. It took several years, a plethora of doctors from almost every specialty, a biopsy, and enough blood to donate to an entire community to receive an official diagnosis for lupus and Sjogren’s syndrome, a condition that often accompanies other autoimmune diseases.

Lupus is a complex disease and can look different for everyone. Are there any common symptoms that people might share?
The rashes I mentioned are a common symptom of lupus. They can appear on different areas of the body and can be painful to the touch. Also, many people with lupus have photosensitivity, muscle and joint pain, mouth sores, and fatigue.

What does a lupus flare-up look like for you?
I’ll notice small, red bumps that can spread into ring-like formations, have joint pain, or develop mouth sores—all indicators of a lupus flare-up. Of course, everyone’s experiences with lupus flares are different, but a few ways to prevent them are to wear sun protection, limit sun exposure, take medications regularly, and avoid or limit intake of spicy foods if possible. Also, I highly recommend warm-to-hot morning showers (if you can handle the heat!) to loosen muscles and joints in the mornings.

Does having other existing conditions cause lupus?
Yes, infections and illnesses may trigger the development of lupus in some people. However, in many cases, lupus can arise from environmental conditions, family history, and certain hormones.

What lifestyle changes have you experienced since your lupus diagnosis?
Ten years after my initial lupus diagnosis, I’ve made small but significant changes to my lifestyle. If I know I will be outside for a prolonged time, I always try to wear a hat and sunscreen to protect my skin. I limit the intake of spicy foods to prevent lupus flares, and I try to rest whenever I feel my body is giving out on me.

Are there any treatments for lupus?
Yes! I take hydroxychloroquine, a popular treatment for lupus, to manage symptoms. Fortunately, my lupus is pretty mild, so taking this medication helps to keep flares to a minimum. Unfortunately, there isn’t a cure for lupus, but taking meds and making lifestyle changes make a difference.

What’s your advice for those who assume they might have lupus but don’t know what to do?
Try to advocate for lupus testing as much as you can. It’s better to know you have it upfront than to spend several years, like my family and I did, to find a diagnosis. If possible, get your primary care doctor to refer you to a chronic illness specialist, such as a rheumatologist, for further testing for lupus.

Is there any other advice you wanna share?
Please be compassionate if you know someone with lupus or another chronic illness. Lupus is one of the many invisible illnesses where you can’t always see the symptoms on the outside. Because of this, people with chronic illnesses often aren’t believed by doctors or their loved ones. But know that we’re dealing with the mental, physical, and emotional toll of living with a chronic illness that we’ll have to manage for the rest of our lives. So, be a helping hand or just a shoulder to lean on when they need you the most.