Dr. Rukarwa's Specialist Focus Gaborone, Botswana
Lupus (SLE)
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus is a complex autoimmune disease that can affect the joints, skin, kidneys, and organs. Often misdiagnosed for years Dr. Rukarwa has specialist expertise in lupus diagnosis and long-term management.
Concerned you may have Lupus?
What is Lupus (SLE)?
A disease that can look like many other things
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks healthy tissue throughout the body including the joints, skin, kidneys, heart, lungs, and brain. Unlike many autoimmune conditions, lupus is a systemic disease, meaning its effects are widespread and unpredictable.
Lupus is notoriously difficult to diagnose. Its symptoms overlap with dozens of other conditions, it can flare and remit, and some patients wait years or even decades before receiving an accurate diagnosis. It is sometimes called “the great imitator.”
Lupus affects primarily women approximately 9 out of 10 patients are female and most commonly develops between the ages of 15 and 45. In Africa and people of African descent, lupus tends to be more severe and more common than in other populations.
The butterfly connection
The butterfly-shaped rash across the cheeks and nose called a malar rash is one of the most recognisable signs of lupus. It is also why a butterfly is used as the international symbol of lupus awareness.
Lupus requires specialist expertise early and accurate diagnosis makes a significant difference.
Dr. Rukarwa has a declared specialist focus in Lupus (SLE) and connective tissue disease the conditions that demand the most from a rheumatologist’s diagnostic and clinical skills.
Signs and Symptoms
Recognising Lupus symptoms to watch for
Lupus symptoms vary significantly between patients and can change over time. Not all symptoms appear at once, and they can mimic many other conditions. The combination of the following symptoms especially in a young or middle-aged woman should prompt specialist assessment.
Butterfly (malar) rash
A flat or raised rash across the cheeks and nose, shaped like a butterfly. Often triggered or worsened by sun exposure.
Extreme fatigue
A deep, persistent tiredness that is disproportionate to activity one of the most common and debilitating symptoms of lupus
Joint pain and swelling
Pain, stiffness, and swelling in the joints often shifting between different joints, unlike RA which tends to be more symmetrical and persistent.
Photosensitivity
Unusual sensitivity to sunlight causing skin rashes or triggering a lupus flare after sun exposure.
Hair loss
Thinning hair or patches of hair loss caused by skin inflammation on the scalp. Hair often regrows after treatment.
Mouth or nose sores
Painless ulcers in the mouth or nose common in lupus and often appearing during flares.
Organ involvement
In more severe cases, lupus can affect the kidneys (lupus nephritis), heart, lungs, and nervous system requiring close specialist monitoring.
Abnormal blood tests
Low blood cell counts, a positive ANA (antinuclear antibody), anti-dsDNA, or anti-Sm antibodies flagged by a GP but requiring specialist interpretation.
If a GP has flagged a positive ANA or low blood counts alongside joint pain or a rash, this warrants specialist assessment — even if other tests are normal. Lupus requires a specialist’s eye to diagnose accurately.
Getting a Diagnosis
Lupus diagnosis requires specialist expertise
Lupus is one of the most challenging conditions to diagnose its symptoms overlap with many other illnesses, and no single test confirms it. Reaching the right answer takes a specialist who knows what to look for and how to piece the picture together.
At RheumaMed, Dr. Rukarwa’s specialist focus in lupus and connective tissue disease means patients receive the focused clinical work-up this condition demands. Your first consultation is a thorough assessment not a starting point for guesswork.
If a GP has flagged a positive ANA, low blood counts, or abnormal kidney function alongside any of the symptoms above this warrants specialist assessment, even if other tests appear normal.
What to bring to your first appointment
- Any previous blood test results, especially ANA, full blood count, or kidney function
- A list of current medications and supplements
- Photos of any rashes particularly if they come and go
- A timeline of when symptoms started and how they have changed
- Your GP referral letter if you have one
Treatment & Management
Lupus is manageable with the right specialist
There is no cure for lupus but with expert management, most patients achieve good disease control, protect their organs, and live full lives. The key is having a specialist who understands the condition deeply and monitors it consistently over time.
Treatment is always personalised. What works for one lupus patient may not be appropriate for another depending on which organs are involved, how active the disease is, and how the body responds. Dr. Rukarwa builds each plan around the individual.
The goal is to reduce inflammation, prevent flares, protect the kidneys and other organs, and help you live as normally as possible.
Concerned you may have Lupus?
Other Conditions We Treat
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Autoimmune joint disease very different from OA. Early diagnosis prevents permanent joint damage.
Osteoarthritis
Wear-and-tear arthritis practical, evidence-based care to ease pain and maintain mobility.
View All Conditions
We also treat ankylosing spondylitis, gout, and general internal medicine conditions.