Women, African-Americans, and Hispanics are more likely to develop SLE. Earlier diagnosis and more effective treatment options have significantly improved 5-, 10-, and 20-year survival rates. Nonpharmacologic treatment is limited and mainly involves proper sun protection—avoidance, protective clothing, and sunscreen. Pharmacologic treatment is usually tailored to the specific symptoms or organ systems that are involved. Treatment modalities include steroids, antimalarials, and cytotoxic/immunosuppressive agents. This review will examine the clinical course of SLE, various treatment options, and the treatment of specific manifestations of the disease such as lupus nephritis.