Lupus Foundation of America Web Chat Explores "Your Skin and Lupus"

WASHINGTON--(Business Wire)--
Approximately two-thirds of the 1.5 million Americans living with lupus will
develop some type of skin disease. Lupus is an autoimmune disease in which the
immune system is unbalanced causing it to become destructive to any organ and
tissue in the body. Skin disease in lupus can cause rashes or sores (lesions),
most of which will appear on sun-exposed areas, such as a person`s face, ears,
neck, arms, and legs. In addition, 40-70 percent of people with systemic lupus
will find that their disease is made worse by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays
from sunlight or artificial light. For this and other reasons, people with lupus
are advised to take steps to protect themselves from exposure to UV light.

Summertime presents a challenge for people with lupus as vacations, leisure
activities and household tasks can increase time outdoors, increasing risk of
lupus flares. In addition, people with lupus are also at risk for other skin
problems.

The Lupus Foundation of America website, www.lupus.org, will host a live chat,
"Your Skin and Lupus," on Wednesday, July 15, beginning at 3:00 p.m. Eastern
Daylight Time (UTC -4). The guest expert will be Dr. Andrew Franks, Clinical
Professor of Dermatology and the Director of the Connective Tissue Disease
Section of The Skin and Cancer Unit at New York University Medical Center.

Dr. Franks is one of the few physicians in the country who hold board
certification in dermatology, rheumatology, and internal medicine. Over the past
twenty five years he has earned a distinct reputation in the area of "skin
manifestations of autoimmune disease."

Individuals can access the chat at the following URL:
http://www.lupus.org/newsite/pages/chat_login.html

Participants can submit questions during the course of the hour-long live chat,
or in advance through the LFA website. A transcript of the chat will be posted
within 24-hours following the chat.

About the Lupus Foundation of America

The LFA is the foremost national nonprofit voluntary health organization
dedicated to finding the causes of and cure for lupus, and providing support,
services, and hope to all people affected by lupus. Founded in 1977, the LFA has
a nationwide network of nearly 300 chapters and support groups and operates
programs of research, education, and advocacy.

LFA Media Contacts:
Maggie Maloney, 202-212-6766
maloney@lupus.org
or
Duane Peters, 202-349-1145
peters@lupus.org

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