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What are the symptoms of lupus?

Because lupus can affect multiple parts of the body, the signs and symptoms can vary widely between cases - as can their severity and time of appearance. The most common signs of lupus include: skin rashes on face, upper arms, chest, wrists, and hands, in particular a distinctive 'butterfly rash' across the cheeks and the bridge of the nose. Rashes are often triggered by exposure to the sun; fatigue; swelling and pain in the joints and muscles and around the eyes; fever; mouth ulcers; swollen lymph nodes; chest pain, particularly when taking deep breaths, and; hair loss.

FAQ Frequently asked questions

What is lupus?

Lupus is an autoimmune disease, caused by a malfunction of the body's immune system. It can affect the joints, heart, nervous system, brain, skin, lungs and kidneys.

How common is lupus?

Because it can be difficult to recognize and diagnose, it is also hard to know exactly how common lupus is. Recent estimates are that about five million people worldwide have the disease.

Who gets lupus?

While lupus can appear in people of all ages and kinds, some people are at greater risk than others. Women are nine times more likely than men to develop lupus, particularly women of child-bearing age (15-44 years old). Lupus is more common among adults than children; …

How is lupus diagnosed?

Lupus diagnosis can be challenging, since the symptoms can be varied and appear at irregular time frames, with long periods of apparent wellness in between. Your doctor will typically make an initial lupus diagnosis on the basis of your medical history and a …

How is lupus treated?

Lupus cannot be cured, but it can usually be managed effectively with several types of medication. The two main goals of lupus treatment are to reduce inflammation and to prevent the immune system from further damaging the body. The types of medication may include …

Is lupus serious?

Lupus can be a serious, life-threatening condition. Specifically, potential complications of systemic lupus erythematosus may include kidney inflammation, cardiovascular disease, or respiratory disease and infections.

Can lupus be prevented?

There is no effective way to prevent lupus from occurring in the first place. A person with lupus can reduce the incidence and severity of lupus flares by making behavioral and lifestyle adjustments, such as: being knowledgeable and aware of the condition, its …

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About this article

Author: Jonathan Meddings BMedLabSc (Hons)
First answered: 26 Nov 2014
Last reviewed: 19 May 2018
Rating: 4.0 out of 5
Votes: 718 (Click smiley face below to rate)
Category: Rheumatoid arthritis

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