Systemic Lupus Erythematosus is a disorder that primarily affects young women between the ages of twenty and forty. Lupus is nine times more common in women than it is in men and it is because of this overwhelming predominance in young women that men tend to be rather forgotten about.

Previous studies suggested that when males developed lupus, it is more complex and often more severe. Recent studies have been more reassuring. Although men may have more skin lesions, there is no difference in the risk of major organ involvement compared to women with SLE. Men with lupus respond just as well to therapy.

In summary therefore, males certainly do develop Systemic Lupus Erythematosus but at far lower rates than women and this often contributes to the delay in diagnosing men with lupus. The general consensus however, is that once the diagnosis is established there are no major differences in clinical features, antibody profiles or response to treatment.

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